Homemade Butter Popcorn
Super Easy Homemade Butter Popcorn (No Machine Needed!)
Popcorn is a movie theater essential! Now you can easily make it at home. The principle behind popcorn popping is that the moisture and oil inside the corn kernels turn into steam when heated and expand. The hard shell of the popcorn kernel traps the steam and oil, increasing internal pressure. When the temperature reaches about 180°C (approx. 930 kPa or 9.2 atm), the pressure causes the kernel to burst (‘pop!’), releasing the cooked starches and proteins, which then rapidly cool and solidify into delicious popcorn. Enjoy this buttery, savory, and fluffy popcorn made fresh in your own kitchen!
Ingredients (using 200ml measuring cup)
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 20g unsalted butter
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Popcorn is an indispensable snack when watching a movie at home! Now, you can recreate that movie theater experience with delicious, homemade popcorn. It’s incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Let’s get started on this simple recipe!
Step 2
Popcorn kernels are readily available at most grocery stores or online and are quite affordable, costing around 4,000 KRW for 1kg. Considering the price of popcorn at movie theaters, the cost of ingredients for homemade popcorn is quickly recouped after just one batch. It’s a simple and budget-friendly treat.
Step 3
Take a deep pan or wok and melt 20g of unsalted butter over low heat. Be careful not to burn the butter; melt it gently until it’s completely liquid. This butter base will add a wonderful flavor.
Step 4
Before the butter is fully melted, add 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels to the pan. Gently shake the pan to ensure each kernel is coated evenly with the melted butter. This step is key to achieving that rich, buttery flavor in your popcorn.
Step 5
Increase the heat to medium-high and cover the pan. Once you hear the first few kernels begin to pop, reduce the heat to medium-low. Starting with higher heat helps the kernels pop, and then lowering it prevents burning and ensures even popping. This temperature control is a crucial tip for perfect popcorn.
Step 6
During the popping process, do not lift the lid! This can cause popcorn to fly out and make a mess. Continue to gently shake the pan over low heat until the popping sounds become infrequent. This ensures all kernels pop and prevents any from burning.
Step 7
When the popping sounds have mostly stopped, it means all the kernels have popped. Carefully remove the lid. Look at that! Your delicious popcorn, infused with a wonderful butter aroma, is ready. It tastes just like the popcorn from your favorite cinema! You’ll be surprised at how easy it was to make.
Step 8
Even though we only used 1/2 cup of kernels, the yield is quite generous! This is enough for a family of four to enjoy as a snack. It’s perfect for a solo movie night or a larger gathering.
Step 9
A Friday night movie, a cold beer, and freshly popped popcorn – what could be better? Popcorn is the ultimate beer snack. Enjoy the authentic cinema popcorn flavor at home with a refreshing beverage. The subtle aroma of butter filling your home will have you reaching for more – you know that addictive taste!
Step 10
Last weekend, we made popcorn, paired it with a beer, and enjoyed a movie, making for a delightful weekend. Experience simple pleasures right at home.
Step 11
This homemade popcorn is so easy to make that it’s sure to become a regular treat! We highly recommend you give it a try. It’s perfect for movie nights, parties, or as a delightful snack for kids.
