Microwaved popcorn is the perfect snack while watching a movie, TV show, or hanging out with a bunch of friends. They are available in a wide range of flavors and doses, you can buy them at the supermarket and their preparation couldn't be simpler.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Prepare Popcorn in the Microwave
Step 1. Purchase the popcorn in bags and verify that they can be cooked in the microwave
This type of snack is sold in bags with condiments and flavors already inside. All you have to do is put the bag in the microwave and turn on the appliance. They are sometimes referred to as "instant popcorn," but they all come in the same form. Don't buy a packet of loose beans.
Step 2. Place the bag in the microwave, taking care to face the folded edges up
Typically, one side of the bag says "up", but if it doesn't, remember that you have to lay it horizontally on the microwave plate so that the flaps are pointing up.
Step 3. Set the appliance to maximum power and the cooking time to 3 minutes
However, don't leave it unattended, the corn doesn't take long to crackle; after 15-20 seconds you should begin to feel the first pops.
Step 4. Turn off the microwave when the pops occur less than one every 2 seconds
Each appliance is different and has variable power settings. When the pace of the noise slows, you run the risk of burning the popcorn if you don't turn off the microwave in time.
If you smell burning, turn off the oven immediately
Step 5. Wait for the popcorn to cool for a minute before opening the bag
The bowl is full of steam and very hot, so you must open it carefully after letting it cool in the microwave.
Method 2 of 4: Season the Popcorn
Step 1. Add some salt and melted butter for the classic, "cinema" version of this snack
You can melt 15-30g of butter by placing it in a bowl inside the microwave. Turn on the appliance for 20-30 seconds; transfer the popcorn to a large bowl, mix it with the butter and then add some salt.
Step 2. Try some tasty recipes
There are very few flavors that don't match the delicate one of popped corn, so you can do different experiments, from hot sauce to dried ground porcini. Here are some suggestions:
- Garlic powder, dried rosemary or grated Parmesan;
- 60 g of melted butter, 30 g of Dijon mustard and salt; mix everything with a handful of pretzels;
- 120 ml of sriracha sauce, the juice of half a lime and salt; work it all with a whisk and pour the mixture over the hot popcorn;
- A packet of ramen, tacos or ranch salsa flavorings.
Step 3. Try some sweet recipes
If you're looking to turn popcorn into a dessert, sprinkle it with 10-15g of sugar instead of using salt and try the following combinations:
- 80 g of chocolate chips added to the still hot popcorn; mix to cover each grain with the chocolate that has melted in contact with the popcorn;
- 5 g of cinnamon and nutmeg and 15 g of brown sugar;
- Melt peanut butter with an equal amount of honey in a saucepan on the stove and sprinkle the mixture over the popped corn.
Step 4. Make a popcorn snack
Corn pairs well with cheese, toasted nuts, pretzels, and breakfast cereals; transfer them all to a bowl and mix them, they will be perfect as a party snack.
- Because of this tasty mix you can add dried vegetables, grated cheese, bacon bits, wasabi coated peas and cereals.
- For the sweet version you can use toasted nuts, chocolate and pretzels.
Method 3 of 4: Making Popcorn Without Microwave
Step 1. Heat 45ml vegetable oil in a large saucepan
You can use rapeseed, coconut, seed or olive oil; turn on the stove over medium-high heat.
Coconut oil has a slightly sweet taste, while olive oil is more intense and full-bodied; that of seeds and rapeseed are almost tasteless, but they cook the popcorn perfectly
Step 2. Open the bag and pour the contents into the boiling oil
Proceed slowly and carefully to avoid splashing.
Step 3. Cover the pan leaving the lid ajar to let the steam escape
To cook perfectly crunchy popcorn you need to eliminate the steam. If you are using a lid, leave a gap along the edge or cover the pot with a sheet of aluminum foil that you have drilled holes in with a knife.
Step 4. Shake the pan every 30 seconds
Lift it by the handles, shaking it up and down to bring the still-closed kernels to the boiling oil.
Step 5. Turn off the heat when the crackle rhythm decreases to about one every 2-3 seconds
This means that almost all the beans have burst; shake the container once more and add all the flavors you prefer.
Method 4 of 4: Getting the Most Out of Microwave Cooking
Step 1. Remove all popped grains before reheating the raw ones
The microwave cannot heat the small ones when most of them have already popped; consequently, the cooked ones could burn and the raw ones could remain so. Then take out all the ready popcorn and put the unexploded kernels back in the oven for another minute.
Step 2. Put them in a paper bag
You can cook the remaining beans by placing about 40g in a paper bag. Add salt and 10 ml of olive oil according to your taste. Fold the bag three times and seal it; cook everything in the microwave for 2 and a half minutes.
Make sure you leave enough room for the popcorn, as they expand when cooked
Step 3. Don't try to cook the "un-popped" ones for too long
The kernels contain a small amount of moisture and pop when they get hot enough, thus creating popcorn. However, when heated slowly, the moisture simply evaporates making it impossible for them to explode; if nothing happens within 3-4 minutes, throw them away.
Step 4. Don't rely on the microwave's "popcorn" setting
In most cases this is an imprecise function. You should always pay attention to the crackle; if there are long pauses between snaps or you smell burning, turn off the appliance immediately.
Advice
Pay attention to the crackle, the corn is ready when the kernels no longer pop
Warnings
- Be careful not to burn yourself with hot oil or butter.
- Lift the bag of ready-made popcorn by grabbing the sides, which are usually colder.
