I love this recipe because it turns simple popcorn into a deliciously spicy snack that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a Netflix binge. The kick from the cayenne and paprika mixed with buttery goodness makes for an irresistible treat that feels gourmet but is so easy to whip up.
My Salty Spicy Popcorn has flavors that are so bold and beautiful, it’s borderline criminal. You start with 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Pop it, already. Once it’s popped, season it with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika), and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (or toothsome, but dangerous, hot sauce).
This next part is crucial: Make sure you add in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Because this combo, my friends, is what makes a dangerously delectable movie snack.
Ingredients
- Popcorn Kernels: Whole grain source, high in fiber, low-calorie snack base.
- Vegetable Oil: Provides healthy fats, aids in popping process.
- Salt: Enhances flavor, essential for seasoning, use in moderation.
- Paprika: Adds subtle heat, rich, smoky flavor, vitamin A source.
- Cayenne Pepper: Spicy kick, metabolism booster, vitamin C content.
- Garlic Powder: Savory depth, anti-inflammatory properties, enhances taste.
- Melted Butter: Richness, creamy texture, binds spices to popcorn.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high. Add two or three popcorn kernels, then cover the pot.
2. Once the test kernels have popped, take them out and put the rest of the popcorn kernels in an even layer. Then cover the pot and remove it from heat for 30 seconds.
3. Put the pot back on the heat. When the kernels begin to pop, gently shake the pot every now and then to guarantee that all the kernels pop and none of them burn.
4. When the popping diminishes to approximately 2 seconds between pops, take the pot off the heat and allow it to sit for a few minutes so that any stubborn kernels have a chance to burst.
5. Pop the popcorn and transfer it to a large bowl.
6. In a small bowl, combine the salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and ground black pepper.
7. Pour the melted butter, straight from the saucepan, over the popcorn in the bowl. With the heat from the popcorn, the butter should sizzle. Toss gently to distribute the butter.
8. Disperse the spice blend over the buttered popcorn, tossing once more until all the popcorn is uniformly encrusted with the spices.
9. Flavors should be correct before serving. Adjust seasonings to your taste. This means adding more salt, more spice, or whatever it takes to make you happy.
10. Enjoy your salty, spicy popcorn immediately for the best flavor and texture!
Equipment Needed
1. Large, heavy-bottomed pot with lid
2. Large bowl
3. Small bowl
4. Measuring spoons
5. Measuring cup
6. Saucepan (for melting butter)
7. Spoon or spatula (for tossing popcorn)
FAQ
- Q: Can I use air-popped popcorn instead of cooking it with oil?A: You can absolutely use popcorn that has been popped in air. Just make the seasoning mix and add it to the popcorn after it’s been popped.
- Q: Is there a substitute for vegetable or canola oil?Yes, you can utilize either coconut oil or olive oil, which will provide you with a totally different flavor profile.
- Q: How can I make this recipe vegan?A: For a vegan version, substitute with a vegan butter or leave out the butter altogether.
- Q: How do I make the popcorn spicier?A: For added heat, up the ante with cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder.
- Q: Can I use this seasoning mix for other snacks?A: Indeed, this spice blend is quite effective when applied to roasted nuts or chickpeas.
- Q: How should I store leftover seasoned popcorn?Keep residual popcorn in a sealed container at normal room temperature for a maximum of 2 days. Not only does this ensure best flavor, it also guarantees the grains don’t lose their light, crispy texture.
- Q: What is the best way to evenly coat the popcorn with seasoning?Popcorn should be placed in a spacious bowl. Then, the popcorn should be drizzled with butter and sprinkled with seasoning. But it is essential to stir the popcorn continuously as the butter and seasoning are added. Otherwise, the flavor will be uneven.
Substitutions and Variations
Vegetable oil or canola oil: Substitute with coconut oil or olive oil for a different flavor.
Salt: Opt for ocean salt or gourmet salts such as smoked salt or Himalayan pink salt to mix things up.
Paprika: If you want to have fun with spices, try smoked paprika or chili powder for a different profile altogether. They would lend themselves to the same recipes but would impart a much different flavor.
Melted butter: Use ghee or a vegan butter substitute if you prefer.
Pro Tips
1. Preheating Trick: Before starting, preheat your pot for a few minutes over medium-high heat without oil. This helps maintain a consistent temperature and increases the chance of kernels popping evenly.
2. Kernel Uniformity: Use popcorn kernels of a similar size and quality to ensure a more uniform popping time and reduce the likelihood of burning.
3. Prevent Steam Buildup: Leaving the pot lid slightly ajar or using a lid with vent holes can help steam escape, keeping your popcorn crispy instead of soggy.
4. Butter Infusion: Instead of pouring melted butter directly, infuse it by gently warming it with a sprig of rosemary or a clove of smashed garlic for an extra layer of flavor before drizzling it over the popcorn.
5. Even Coating: Use a large, shallow mixing bowl to toss the popcorn with butter and spices. This allows for better distribution and ensures each piece is well-seasoned.
Salty Spicy Popcorn Recipe
My favorite Salty Spicy Popcorn Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large, heavy-bottomed pot with lid
2. Large bowl
3. Small bowl
4. Measuring spoons
5. Measuring cup
6. Saucepan (for melting butter)
7. Spoon or spatula (for tossing popcorn)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high. Add two or three popcorn kernels, then cover the pot.
2. Once the test kernels have popped, take them out and put the rest of the popcorn kernels in an even layer. Then cover the pot and remove it from heat for 30 seconds.
3. Put the pot back on the heat. When the kernels begin to pop, gently shake the pot every now and then to guarantee that all the kernels pop and none of them burn.
4. When the popping diminishes to approximately 2 seconds between pops, take the pot off the heat and allow it to sit for a few minutes so that any stubborn kernels have a chance to burst.
5. Pop the popcorn and transfer it to a large bowl.
6. In a small bowl, combine the salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and ground black pepper.
7. Pour the melted butter, straight from the saucepan, over the popcorn in the bowl. With the heat from the popcorn, the butter should sizzle. Toss gently to distribute the butter.
8. Disperse the spice blend over the buttered popcorn, tossing once more until all the popcorn is uniformly encrusted with the spices.
9. Flavors should be correct before serving. Adjust seasonings to your taste. This means adding more salt, more spice, or whatever it takes to make you happy.
10. Enjoy your salty, spicy popcorn immediately for the best flavor and texture!
