Learn how to make fluffy stovetop popcorn with olive oil in a pot in just 10 minutes. With almost no effort and only 3 ingredients, this homemade stove-top popcorn recipe with no burn kernels yields the best light and crispy popcorn, perfect every time!
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.
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.
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.
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 open (just a touch). If you have a vented lid, skip this step. In this way, the steam will be released and the popcorn will be dry and crispy.
As soon as the popping noises slow down to every few seconds, turn off the heat, let the last kernels pop, and then immediately remove the pot from the heat. You don't want your popped popcorn to be burned. Transfer to a big bowl, and sprinkle with fine sea salt or any spice to taste, while popcorn is still hot. Toss your popcorn and serve right away for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Storage - First, let the popcorn cool completely before you store it. Once cooled, transfer it into an airtight container or sealable plastic bag for 2-3 days at room temperature.
Olive oil - coconut oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, or dairy-free melted butter are great alternatives.
Salt - Instead or in addition to salt you can use nutritional yeast, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, curry powder, chili powder, dried dill, garlic powder, or onion powder. For sweet-flavored popcorn sprinkle some powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, unsweetened cacao powder, carob powder, or drizzle pure maple syrup.
See the post above for more tips of how to pop popcorn kernels from scratch.