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Herby popcorn in a large yellow bowl with kernels scattered around.

How to Make Stovetop Popcorn

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5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Yield 16 cups (8 servings)
Category Snack
Cuisine American
Author Lauren Grant

Description

Learn how to make stovetop popcorn perfectly in just 3 steps! It's the best way to prepare popcorn and you can customize it with your favorite seasonings.

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Ingredients

  • ½ cup yellow popcorn kernels
  • 3 tablespoons avocado or canola oil
  • fine sea salt or Diamond Crystal kosher salt, to taste

Instructions

  • Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 5 kernels of corn and allow to heat until a kernel or two pops. Add ½ cup corn kernels, cover pot with lid and give it a shake to coat kernels in oil.
  • Cook, shaking the pot occasionally, until kernels start to pop. Continue shaking the pot frequently as the corn pops and slows to about 3 seconds between pop.
  • Season with salt and desired seasonings.

Equipment

large pot

Notes

Tips:
  • Test the oil temperature. After heating the oil, when you think it's ready, add 5 kernels and allow them to start popping. Once they pop, add the remaining kernels - this allows for even cooking of the popcorn.
  • Shake the pot frequently. Once you add all the kernels, put the lid on and carefully shake the pot throughout cooking to ensure the popcorn kernels are cooking evenly.
  • Listen to the kernels. This is critical to prevent your popcorn from burning. Once the popping noise begins to slow, remove the popcorn from the heat - it will actually continue to pop from the residual heat of the pot.
  • Butter your popcorn AFTER cooking. Another key step! Do not cook your popcorn in butter, it will burn. The key to using butter is to coat the kernels in it afterwards and toss lightly to coat.
Storing:
  • When it comes to storing popcorn, it's great to pack into resealable bags or an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 2 cupsCalories: 105kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 2gFat: 5.5gSaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 292mgFiber: 2.5g
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