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    Home » Recipes » Snacks

    How to Make Stovetop Popcorn (Perfect Every Time)

    Published: Jul 4, 2022 by Marinela

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Learn how to make stovetop popcorn from scratch in just 10 minutes. With almost no effort and only 3 ingredients, this homemade stovetop popcorn recipe yields crunchy and fluffy popcorn, perfect every time!

    Plus, you need no microwave and no special equipment. Using a deep, stainless steel pot with a lid is the easiest way to make the best popcorn at home. You'll never return to microwave popcorn again!

    Perfect Homemade Popcorn

    A big bowl full of homemade popcorn on the stove

    Do you know what's better than a bag of popcorn from a movie theater? Homemade popcorn, of course!

    Popcorn is a classic inexpensive snack and it's incredibly easy to make even without a microwave or an air popper.

    If you’ve ever tried to make popcorn on the stove, you know that it can be a little bit tricky. You have to really keep an eye on it and make sure the kernels don’t burn or get stuck together. With my popcorn-making tips, though, you won’t have any of those problems!

    Whether you want to treat yourself or cook a big batch of popcorn for a party, this cheap and tasty snack will surely impress everyone. Another bonus? This low-calorie snack made without added sugar is vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and budget-friendly. Absolutely healthy & delicious salty snack idea!

    If you are a fan of salty & spicy homemade snacks that are totally guilt-free check out my high-protein roasted chickpeas, too.

    Now, let's make it together!

    Popcorn Ingredients

    Budget-friendly, vegan ingredients for cooking homemade popcorn recipe: corn kernels, extra virgin olive oil, and fine sea salt.

    You will need a few simple pantry staples to cook this quick savory snack:

    • Popcorn kernels
    • Olive oil (extra virgin)
    • Fine seas salt

    As always, you can find the full recipe with a list of ingredients with measurements in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.

    Time needed: 10 minutes.

    How to make stovetop popcorn without burning it? (step by step with pictures)

    Popping a big batch of warm homemade popcorn is easy if you follow these simple steps:

    1. Heat the oil

      First, in a large, heavy-bottomed pot heat up the oil on medium-high heat. Immediately put 3 popcorn kernels in it and cover it with a lid.

      A large, stainless steel pot with olive oil and 3 corn kernels at the bottom prepared for making healthy homemade popcorn.

    2. Wait until 3 kernels pop

      Wait until the 3 kernels pop. After that, remove the pot from the heat, carefully take out the three popped kernels, and add the rest of them to the pot.

      Three popped corn kernels in a pot

    3. Add the rest of the kernels

      Cover with the lid, and gently shake the pot so the kernels will be distributed evenly in one layer. Don't put them on the burner yet! Let them rest for 1 minute at the bottom of the pot. This will bring all the kernels at near popping temperature, so when you put them back on the heat they'll pop at about the same time.

      Whole food corn kernels in a heated pot with olive oil for making a quick and easy salty vegan snack

    4. Return to heat and let them pop

      Next, return the covered pot to heat. Once the popping starts, gently shake the pot by moving it back and forth over the burner. Keeping the pot moving during the popping time is the KEY to making them all pop. Once the kernels start popping, keep the lid slightly opened (just a touch). If you have a vented lid, skip this step. In this way, the steam will be released and popcorns will be dry and crispy.

      Large stainless steel pot covered with a lid on a stove top for making crispy popcorn at home

    5. Transfer to a big bowl and enjoy

      As soon as the popping noises slow down to every few seconds, turn off the heat, let the last kernels pop, then immediately remove the pot from heat. You don't want your popped popcorns to be burned.
      Transfer to a big bowl, sprinkle with fine sea salt or any spice to taste, while popcorns are still hot. Toss your popcorn and serve right away for the best flavor and texture.

      Perfect fluffy and crispy homemade popcorn in a bowl on a wooden table

    Tips for How to Make Good Stovetop Popcorn

    1. Use a big, sturdy, stainless steel pot with a lid, one that heats up quickly. Cheap pots don't diffuse the heat evenly so you may end up with dark burned spots on the bottom.
    2. Don't overheat the oil because your popcorn will taste burnt.
    3. Make the 3 kernels test to measure the right temperature - you will know that your oil is ready when they pop.
    4. If you double or triple the recipe, cook in batches. Don't overcrowd the bottom of the pot. The kernels should be distributed in a single layer or enough to cover the bottom of the pot.
    5. It's important to slightly open the lid while the popcorn is popping if you want to achieve that airy & crispy texture. If you allow the steam to get trapped in the pot while they're popping the result will be chewy popcorn.
    6. As I mentioned above, when the kernels start popping you should shake the pot back and forth constantly to ensure every kernel reaches the bottom and pops.
    7. Season with salt or any seasonings of choice immediately after popping, while the popcorn is still warm to easily absorb the flavors.
    Crunchy homemade popcorn in a bowl with a hand for the best savory vegan snack made at home.
    How long does it take to make stovetop popcorn?

    You will need 10 minutes or less to make a batch of warm homemade popcorn.

    Is stovetop popcorn healthy?

    Without a doubt, homemade popcorn is an excellent choice for a nutritious snack. Popcorn is a great option for healthy snacking since it's rich in dietary fiber and low in calories. Because it's a great fiber source, popcorn will keep you full and satisfied between meals. Also, it's good for your digestive health and it promotes regular bowel movements. It definitely is a wonderful whole food snack you want to have on your clean eating list to be part of your balanced diet in case you need a good nourishing snack.

    Is popcorn gluten-free?

    Yes, popcorn is naturally gluten-free and is a safe snack food for people with gluten intolerances or celiac disease.

    What is the best oil to use to pop popcorn?

    Extra virgin olive oil is the best when you make popcorn on the stovetop. You can use avocado oil, sunflower oil, or grapeseed oil, as well.

    How much oil do you put in pan for popcorn?

    1 tablespoon of olive oil is enough for a ⅓ cup of corn kernels. The oil should cover the whole bottom of the pot.

    How long will popped popcorn stay fresh?

    Your DIY popcorn retains its texture when consumed within a few hours after cooking. After that, it loses some of its crunchiness and takes on a softer, chewy texture. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in a dry, cool place.

    Why is stovetop popcorn better than movie theater popcorn?

    Unlike movie theater popcorn which is loaded with calories, highly refined oils, and artificial flavors homemade popcorn is healthy, fast, and chemical-free. This whole-grain snack is tasty, preservative-free, and so satisfying.

    Warm homemade popcorn in a bowl for a delicious and cheap healthy snack

    What are some good seasonings to put on popcorn?

    • Fine seas salt
    • Nutritional yeast
    • Ground black pepper
    • Red pepper flakes
    • Smoked paprika
    • Curry powder
    • Chili powder
    • Maple syrup and cinnamon
    • Melted butter

    📖 Recipe

    How to make stovetop popcorn that is perfect every time. A bowl full of fluffy and crunchy homemade popcorn.

    How to Make Stovetop Popcorn (Perfect Every Time)

    Marinela
    Learn how to make stovetop popcorn from scratch in just 10 minutes. With almost no effort and only 3 ingredients, this homemade stovetop popcorn recipe yields crunchy and fluffy popcorn, perfect every time!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Snack
    Cuisine dairy-free, Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Servings 5 cups
    Calories 66 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 large, heavy bottomed pot with a lid

    Ingredients
      

    • ⅓ cup popcorn kernels
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
    • fine sea salt to taste

    Instructions
     

    • First, in a large, heavy-bottomed pot heat up the oil on medium-high heat. Immediately put 3 popcorn kernels in it and cover it with a lid.
      A large, stainless steel pot with olive oil and 3 corn kernels at the bottom prepared for making healthy homemade popcorn.
    • Wait until the 3 kernels pop. After that, remove the pot from the heat, carefully take out the three popped kernels, and add the rest of them to the pot.
      Three popped corn kernels in a pot
    • Cover with the lid, and gently shake the pot so the kernels will be distributed evenly in one layer. Don't put them on the burner yet! Let them rest for 1 minute at the bottom of the pot. This will bring all the kernels at near popping temperature, so when you put them back on the heat they'll pop at about the same time.
      Whole food corn kernels in a heated pot with olive oil for making a quick and easy salty vegan snack
    • Next, return the covered pot to heat. Once the popping starts, gently shake the pot by moving it back and forth over the burner. Keep the pot moving during the popping time is the KEY to making them all pop. Once the kernels start popping, keep the lid slightly opened (just a touch). If you have a vented lid, skip this step. In this way, the steam will be released and popcorn will be dry and crispy.
      Large stainless steel pot covered with a lid on a stove top for making crispy popcorn at home
    • As soon as the popping noises slow down to every few seconds, turn off the heat, let the last kernels pop, then immediately remove the pot from heat. You don't want your popped popcorns to be burned. Transfer to a big bowl, sprinkle with fine sea salt or any spice to taste, while popcorns are still hot. Toss your popcorn and serve right away for the best flavor and texture.
      Perfect fluffy and crispy homemade popcorn in a bowl on a wooden table

    Notes

    1. Use a big, sturdy, stainless steel pot with a lid, one that heats up quickly. Cheap pots don't diffuse the heat evenly so you may end up with dark burned spots on the bottom.
    2. Don't overheat the oil because your popcorn will taste burnt.
    3. Make the 3 kernels test to measure the right temperature - you will know that your oil is ready when they pop.
    4. If you double or triple the recipe, cook in batches. Don't overcrowd the bottom of the pot. The kernels should be distributed in a single layer or enough to cover the bottom of the pot.
    5. It's important to slightly open the lid while the popcorn is popping if you want to achieve that airy & crispy texture. If you allow the steam to get trapped in the pot while they're popping the result will be chewy popcorn.
    6. As I mentioned above, when the kernels start popping you should shake the pot back and forth constantly to ensure every kernel reaches the bottom and pops.
    7. Season with salt or any seasonings of choice immediately after popping, while the popcorn is still warm to easily absorb the flavors.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 66kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.3mg
    Keyword easy stovetop popcorn recipe, healthy vegan snack idea, homemade popcorn recipe, how to make stovetop popcorn, perfect homemade popcorn, stovetop popcorn tips
    Tried this recipe?Snap a photo & tag me @go_eatgreen or #go_eatgreen!

    Don’t forget to pin or share this post so you’ll have this easy homemade popcorn recipe ready when you need it!

    Perfect stovetop popcorn in a bowl on a wooden table

    I hope you enjoyed my simple guide on how to make stovetop popcorn. Did you try to make it for yourself? If yes, please rate it, leave a comment below, and share your photo on Instagram with the tag @go_eatgreen and hashtag it #go_eatgreen. I would love to hear about your experience and your comments just make my day!

    Follow me on Pinterest for more easy and delicious vegan recipe ideas.

    Love, Marinela💚

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    A vegan food blogger, photographer, and recipe developer who is passionate about cooking simple, tasty, and budget-friendly recipes with wholesome God-given ingredients. Welcome to my vegan world! My goal is to share these delicious plant-based recipes with you so you can lead more healthy and happy lives!

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