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[Fox1304]

I've tried a few times and a few brands of microwaved pop-corn through the years, only to be disappointed each time.

Now that I finally have my own microwave, I'm really heating up to the idea of trying new ways to prepare my own pop-corn.

I know that there are a lot of recipes, for both salty and sugar pop-corn.
I'm open to both, but generally have a preference for sugar or caramel pop-corn.

I'm in a country where pop-corn is rarely home-made, so I'm turning to the GAF hive-pool of knowledge to gather and try the best recipes.

What are your little pop-corn secrets GAF ?

 

[fluffydelusions]

Don't use a microwave. There is a Good Eats episode dedicated to making popcorn. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHb3PHFfdvo

 

[Seance]

Put the bag in the microwave for 2 and a half minutes. The key is to have the side reading; "this side up", facing up.

Spoiler

Is there more than that to making popcorn?

 

[DonMigs85]

Put the bag in the microwave for 2 and a half minutes. The key is to have the side reading; "this side up", facing up.

Spoiler

Is there more than that to making popcorn?

You have to listen closely, when the gap between popping sounds is more than 1 to 2 seconds, stop the microwave immediately.

 

[Fox1304]

Spoiler

Is there more than that to making popcorn?

I've seen a lot of recipes to add things once the corn has been popped. Caramel, butter with BBQ, kinds of syrups, jams, things like those.
So I'd say yes, there is more

I'm often disappointed by home-made pop-corn because they don't have this "caramel crust" found in commercial pop-corn, and I can't manage to replicate this at home.
What should I add once the bowl is out ? Usually the brands recommend adding some sugar, but that's far from what one can find in theaters-pop-corn.

 

[newdayrocks]

First thing OP needs to do is get something like this. And never eat microwave popcorn again.

 

[maquiladora]

You have to listen closely, when the gap between popping sounds is more than 1 to 2 seconds, stop the microwave immediately.

C'mon son. 2-3 seconds.

 

[Angelus Errare]

If you have to eat microwaved, throw the bag into the freezer for about 20 mins prior to popping.

 

[DonMigs85]

C'mon son. 2-3 seconds.

Nah, I used to wait that long and it greatly increased the risk of burning the popcorn
I only have a few unpopped kernels left too.

 

[criesofthepast]

If you have to eat microwaved, throw the bag into the freezer for about 20 mins prior to popping.

Care to explain why? Im intrigued.

 

[Fox1304]

And about the " toppings " ? Any hints ?

 

[DonMigs85]

And about the " toppings " ? Any hints ?

You COULD just buy ready-made popcorn tubs.
We have this brand over here, not sure if any stores abroad might have something similar:

 

[Maklershed]

And about the " toppings " ? Any hints ?

Hot sauce!

 

[Machine]

I don't like microwave popcorn. Hot air popper is the only way to go.

 

[Angelus Errare]

Care to explain why? Im intrigued.

Something about allowing more kernels to be popped. Not sure on the science behind it

 

[taylor910]

Something about allowing more kernels to be popped. Not sure on the science behind it

This works. We store our kernels in the freezer at all times, and when we pop them they all open, every damn one of them.

We also always pop in a pot on the stove, with some oil to coat the bottom of the pot.

Put one kernel into the oil, when that one pops pour the rest in and they pop almost immediately.

 

[sonicfan]

I prefer stove top popped corn, much better IMO than microwaved. Airpopped lacks the taste of the oil from a proper stove top made batch, but of course, much fewer calories....

 

[Ace Harding]

I was thinking about starting a popcorn OT just the other day. It is my favorite snack food. Food of the gods.

First, microwave popcorn is only for when you are drunk and in danger of leaving the stove on and passing out. Or just lazy.

Use a stove. Put a couple tablespoons of oil in a pot with about 1/3 cup of popping corn for a nice big bowl. Put on medium or just above medium (depending on your stove). Put a lid on it. Shake the pot every few seconds. When popping slows to 1-2 seconds between pops, remove from heat. Let steam escape (don't just toss the lid off all the way right away - you might catch a popping kernel in the eye). After a few seconds when its definitely done, remove the lid all the way. Put in a bowl and add toppings.

Toppings:

Classic is just melted salted butter and salt. I don't use that fine popcorn salt. I take regular kosher salt and kind of grind it in my fingers over the popcorn. Table salt is probably better, I just don't keep that shit in the house.

I am also into (finely grated) Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and fresh ground pepper with melted butter. Go easy on the butter. Also try a little olive oil instead of butter.

I like buffalo popcorn too. Melt some butter and add Franks hot sauce to it before you drizzle it on.

Or just spicy popcorn - cayenne pepper or just some hot sauce drizzled over it.

Experiment! Add a different kind of cheese. Add a different sauce to your butter. Add a spice. Just don't try too many things at once.

 

[CarbonatedFalcon]

Stove top pan with a lid - a little oil (you can experiment here - lately been using canola since it's been on hand, but other types imbue different flavors). Medium-high heat - once it starts popping you slide the pan back and forth over the burner. Add a little salt, some melted butter and it's fantastic. Much better than microwave and a "cleaner" taste.

Microwave still good and convenient though. Stove top takes a little longer, but worth it if you want something special.

 

[akachan ningen]

Hot sauce!

sounds ridiculous but I do this too.