You want to make a bowl of buttery microwave popcorn to enjoy as you check out the latest true crime series on Netflix. You hit the popcorn button and kick back and relax, waiting for your the scent of buttery goodness to waft through your kitchen. At first, that’s exactly what happens, and then — you smell it. The acrid, long-lasting scent of burnt popcorn (let’s hope that wasn’t your only bag).
While it can be tempting to let every last kernel of popcorn pop, doing so can wreak havoc on the rest of the kernels. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way. Following the simple three-second rule can make all the difference between you binge watching to your heart’s content with a buttery bowl of perfection and lighting a ton of candles to cover up the pungent smell of burnt popcorn kernels. Simply listen to your popcorn as the pops are slowing down. Once you’re able to count to three between pops, get that bag out of there. You’ll likely still have a few unpopped kernels, but that’s far better than a bag of burnt popcorn (and a stinky kitchen).
Other microwave popcorn tips to elevate your next movie night
Choosing the best microwave popcorn brand for your tastebuds from the get-go is key to getting the top-notch, movie-theater-esque flavor you’re looking for. From there, you have tons of options to elevate the flavor profile of each bag. If you can’t make up your mind on what addition sounds best, we recommend distributing your popcorn into a few small serving bowls so you can try a few different options.
For a Buffalo-wings inspired pairing, try making one bowl of popcorn topped with cool ranch seasoning and another with a spicy Buffalo blend (or a sprinkle of your favorite hot sauce). Be sure to taste your Buffalo seasoning on a few pieces of popcorn as you go — when you’re working with cayenne, things can get spicy fast.
If you’re not in the mood to create your own seasoning blends, there are plenty of items you likely already have on hand that can add a nice kick of flavor to your popcorn. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few tablespoons of table sugar can easily create a churro-inspired flavor. We’re also big fans of adding furikake, a popular Asian seasoning often used to ramp up the flavor of ramen. Made from dehydrated protein, sesame seeds, and seaweed, it adds a surprising umami flavor that will take your popcorn to the next level.
