Description
This easy stovetop popcorn is ready in minutes! A dash of turmeric is my secret to getting that yellow, buttery “movie theatre popcorn” look!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp canola oil (see notes for oil-free option)
- 1/4 – 1/2 tsp sea salt (see notes)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric, optional (for yellow colour)
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels*
*Ingredients you need that are not part of our pantry and freezer tips.
Instructions
- In a large and deep pot with a lid, heat 2 tbsp canola oil or another oil with a high smoke point like sunflower, corn, or coconut oil. (I have tried using less oil but it is essential that the oil fully cover the bottom of the pot in order for the popcorn kernels to pop and not burn). Heat the oil over medium high heat until the oil is visually rippling but not smoking.
- With a pair of oven mitts nearby and moving quickly; add the salt (use ½ tsp for a saltier movie theatre popcorn taste, ¼ tsp will have a noticeably lighter saltiness), turmeric, and popcorn kernels. Quickly put your oven mitts on and shake the pot to distribute the kernels and coat them in the seasonings.
- Turn the heat down just slightly to medium. Put the pot lid on and hold the lid down until the popping slows to 2 seconds between pops. Remove the pot from the heat and quickly pour the popcorn into a serving bowl so the popcorn on the bottom doesn’t burn.
- Add melted butter if desired and enjoy! Make sure to take a look at my 4 Easy Vegan Popcorn Seasonings!
Notes
Approximate Cost: CAD $0.64 vs. $0.66 – $1.10 for one sleeve of store bought microwave popcorn.
For an oil-free method, you can pop kernels in your microwave without a bag. Add 1/8 cup to 1/4 cup popcorn kernels to a large microwave safe bowl. Cover with a microwave safe plate or lid of some kind. Heat on high for 4-5 minutes until the popping slows to 2 seconds between pops.
Adding salt to the kernels before they pop can prevent the popcorn from being as fluffy as possible. I prefer the taste of adding the salt before the popcorn pops but you can omit the salt at the popping stage and instead, salt the popcorn after it has popped and while it is still warm.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Thrifty How-Tos
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American