How to Make Popcorn on the Stove

Indulge in the timeless delight of stovetop popcorn, perfectly seasoned with a touch of salt and butter. Beyond its delicious taste, stovetop popcorn boasts a quick preparation time and offers the freedom to experiment with various toppings to cater to your palate. Dive into this guide to master the art of making stovetop popcorn for your upcoming afternoon munch or movie marathon.

STOVETOP POPCORN RECIPE

Craft your own fresh homemade popcorn right on your stovetop with just a handful of basic ingredients. Follow the steps below to whip up a batch of classic, movie night-ready popcorn. After mastering the basic recipe, why not experiment with sweet variations like Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn?

STEP 1. Heat Up the Oil

Pour the oil into a large pot, preferably not too thick, for instance stainless steel. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, like canola oil or coconut oil, for the best popcorn popping experience. Utilize the most powerful burner or the largest one on your stove. Warm the oil in the pot over medium-high heat until it starts to ripple, but ensure it doesn't reach the smoking point.

STEP 2. Test the Oil Temperature

Drop two or three kernels into the pot to gauge if the oil is hot enough for popping. If the kernels pop, you're good to proceed to the next step. Consider using a ladle or wearing oven mitts for safety during this stage.

STEP 3. Measure and Add Popcorn Kernels

Follow the instructions on the container to measure your popcorn kernels. Typically, about ¾ of a cup will create around 20 to 24 cups when popped. After measuring, pour the kernels into the pot. Give the pot a gentle shake to ensure the kernels settle into a single layer at the bottom.

STEP 4. Cover and Reduce the Heat

Put the pot cover on and set the heat to medium. As soon as you hear the kernels popping, shake the pot to prevent burning and check that most of the kernels pop evenly.

STEP 5. Listen for Slowed Popping

The kernels should pop continuously and simultaneously. When you notice the popping has slowed to just a few kernels at a time, turn off the heat. For electric stovetops, remove the pot from the heating element.

STEP 6. Add Salt and Butter

Once the popping ceases, add salt and butter to the popcorn. Shake the pot to distribute them evenly. Alternatively, transfer the popcorn to a bowl and melt the butter in the pot. Then pour it over the popcorn in the bowl for an appetizing buttery topping.

STEP 7. Serve and Enjoy

After adding your preferred flavours, place the popcorn into a serving bowl. Enjoy the delightful crunchiness of your freshly made popcorn while immersing yourself in your favourite film or TV show.

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Stovetop Popcorn: Tips for Perfect Pops

Now that you've mastered making popcorn on your home stovetop, take a look at these tips and tricks below to make your popping process smoother and spark your creativity.

1. Choose the Right Pot or Pan: Opt for a heavy-bottomed pot or pan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.

2. Measure Oil Carefully: Use just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pot or pan, about 2-3 tablespoons for a standard-sized batch.

3. Keep the Lid On: Cover the pot or pan with a tight-fitting lid to trap heat and encourage kernels to pop quickly and efficiently.

4. Shake, Shake, Shake: Periodically shake the pot or pan gently back and forth to prevent kernels from sticking and burning on the bottom.

5. Don't Rush: Avoid turning up the heat too high, as this can lead to uneven popping and burnt kernels. Maintain a moderate heat setting.

6. Season to Taste: Once popped, transfer the popcorn to a bowl and season with your favourite toppings, such as salt, melted butter, grated cheese, or even nutritional yeast for a savory twist.

What's the Best Pan for Popping Popcorn?

For an amazing popcorn popping experience, consider using a heat conduction pan. Stainless steel pans, Dutch ovens, or heavy-duty stockpots are all excellent choices.

Keep in mind, if you have a ceramic-glass cooktop, you should refrain from cooking popcorn in prepackaged aluminum containers on the cooktop. They could leave aluminum marks that cannot be removed entirely.

What's the Ideal Butter for Homemade Popcorn?

For that perfect, buttery flavour, clarified butter is the top choice for your homemade popcorn. Whether you make your own clarified butter or use ghee, both options work wonders. Clarified butter and ghee are superior to regular butter because they contain less water, reducing the risk of making your popcorn soggy.

What Toppings Are Best for Popcorn?

The sky's the limit when it comes to popcorn toppings, catering to your preference for sweet, savory, salty, or a combination of all three. Here are some delicious options to consider:

With a food processor, you can easily shred fresh Parmesan or chop herbs, nuts, toasted coconut, and more to personalize your popcorn. Experiment with tossing it in melted butter, truffle oil, salt, and chopped parsley for a delightful earthy, herby flavour. Alternatively, drizzle melted peanut butter and honey over the popcorn, and add banana chips for an additional sweet crunch.

KitchenAid^® food choppers and food processors make quick work of freshly prepared toppings to help you discover your next favorite stovetop popcorn flavors.

How Much Salt Should You Add to Popcorn?

The quantity of salt you sprinkle on your popcorn largely depends on your personal taste preferences. As a starting point, consider adding approximately ⅛ teaspoon of salt per ½ cup of popcorn. Adjust according to your liking for that perfect balance of flavour.

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