How to Make Popcorn in a Pan

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Making popcorn at home with a large saucepan is easy and cheap, will save you a bundle on a popcorn maker or microwave popcorn, and is also a lot of fun!

Ingredients

  • A pack of maize/corn kernels
  • Oil or butter

Steps

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  1. You can get this from most supermarkets nowadays, and it's easy to find at ethnic stores too. The bigger bag you buy, the more money you'll save in the long term.
  2. ), put it on the stove and drizzle a small amount of oil on the bottom. If you have an oil spray pump, spray the sides too. [1]
    • You can eat healthier by preparing stovetop popcorn with water instead of oil.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Popcorn in a Pan
    Remember how big your average piece of popcorn is and use that to work out how many will comfortably fit in your pan.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Popcorn in a Pan
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Popcorn in a Pan
    [2]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Popcorn in a Pan
    DO NOT TAKE OFF THE LID WHILST THE HEAT IS ON AND POPCORN IS POPPING. When the noise dies down to only 1 or 2 pops every few seconds, turn the heat off and remove the pan from the stove. [3]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make Popcorn in a Pan
    Your popcorn should be good and done, so take off the lid. You will smell the buttery aroma.
  8. Put the lid back on and give it a gentle shake. The oil should allow the sugar to stick well to the kernels. [4]
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make Popcorn in a Pan
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Make Popcorn in a Pan
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I make the popcorn yellow?
    Community Answer
    Melt some butter and pour it on top of the popcorn.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 12
  • Question
    What can I do about unpopped kernels?
    Community Answer
    You should just avoid eating them and throw them out. If they didn't pop the first time around, they most likely won't pop if you try again.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 11
  • Question
    Why do my kernels sometimes burn?
    Community Answer
    The pan may be too hot, which has resulted in some scorching. It may help to turn down the temperature down.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • If a lot of the corn didn't pop, chances are you didn't put enough oil in, used too low a heat, or put too much corn in.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      • If you want butter, melt the butter in the pan first instead of using oil.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
      • Popcorn is a very healthy snack. There’s evidence that popcorn can lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes. You can eat healthier by preparing stovetop popcorn with water instead of oil.
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      Warnings

      • If you take the lid off whilst the pan is on the hob, hot, oil - covered popcorn will fly all over the place.
        Thanks
        Helpful 53 Not Helpful 10
      • Don't try to make toffee popcorn at home. Chances are you will not succeed in anything but setting the kitchen on fire.
        Thanks
        Helpful 54 Not Helpful 27
      • Hot oil and hot pans and cooker hobs are hot . Be especially careful if you're making the popcorn for children.
        Thanks
        Helpful 40 Not Helpful 18
      • Don't make a second batch in the pan if you put sugar or salt in there.
        Thanks
        Helpful 45 Not Helpful 24
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      Things You'll Need

      • A big pan
      • A big pan lid

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGT9-20iH4U
      2. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/perfect_popcorn/
      3. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-make-stovetop-popcorn
      4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-kettle-corn-at-home-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-192917
      5. https://www.thekitchn.com/5-fabulous-ways-to-flavor-your-popcorn-227616

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to make popcorn in a pan, drizzle a small amount of oil on the bottom of a large saucepan with a lid. Add 2 small handfuls of dried popcorn kernels to the pan and turn the stove to medium heat, then quickly cover the pan with a lid. Soon, you’ll begin to hear the popcorn popping, but do not lift the lid to check. When the noise dies down to 1 or 2 pops every few seconds, remove the pan from the heat, uncover the pan, and enjoy! Keep reading to learn different ways to season your popcorn, like how to make it sweet!

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