Medium
5 – 10 mins
BackgroundI have always loved popcorn and Michael and I make up a batch of it a few times a month. Microwave popcorn is way different than movie theater popcorn and seems like something that would be difficult to make at home without that big machine with the whirly thing. Have no fear, you can make your own movie theater popcorn with just 3 ingredients and the pot you have in cabinet right now.
The secret ingredients to movie theater popcorn are coconut oil and Flavacol. Flavacol is the super-fine bright orange salt that you sometimes see near the butter at the movie theater. Coconut oil and Flavacol is the only flavoring that most movie theater popcorn has – not butter. Flavacol is very inexpensive and one carton of it will last you forever. You’ll probably have to order this online or go to a vending supply store. Your grocery store probably doesn’t carry it.
You may be thinking, “the popcorn in that picture is white and movie theater popcorn is yellow so there must be butter on it.” To that I say, “Nope. There’s yellow food coloring in the coconut oil at the theater and that’s how it gets the color.”
Recipe- 1 Tbs Coconut Oil
- 1 tsp Flavacol Popcorn Seasoning
- ⅓ Cup Popcorn Kernels
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the coconut oil, the Flavacol, and 3 kernels of popcorn. Cover and wait for the kernels to pop.
- After all three of your tester kernels pop, remove the pot from the heat and add the remaining popcorn and cover the pot.
- Swirl everything around for 30 seconds and put the pot back on the heat to pop the corn.
- When the rate of popping starts to slow, give the pot a shake. The popcorn is done when the popping slows to 1 – 2 pops/second.
- Put popcorn in a large serving bowl and add more Flavacol if desired.
Tips and Tricks
This recipe will serve up to 4 people. If you have more people or want more popcorn, simply double all of the measurements and make a larger batch. If you need to increase the recipe more than doubling, it’s probably best to clean out the pot and make a second batch.
For crispier popcorn, barely crack the lid of the pot while the popcorn is cooking. This will allow steam to escape and cut down on condensation. Always use a lid!
There are tons of varieties of popcorn kernels that have different flavors and textures.
Popped popcorn will last for a day or two in a sealed bag with as much of the air removed as possible. Movie theater popcorn is a perfect snack for almost any party so make it ahead of time, seal it up and put out when your guests arrive.
Fun FactsAs a kid, I really liked the combination of grapes and popcorn. I recently dusted off that combo and it’s still delicious. Give it a try! Throw some red grapes in your popcorn bowl and enjoy them together.