How do you make perfect popcorn?

[stirling]

Mine always seem to turn out stale tasting. They're not crispy at all. I've tried leaving the lid slightly ajar so that steam can escape. Helped a bit not much. I've tried every brand of popcorn kernals.

I heat my pan, it's heavy based, with a bit of oil, then popcorn in and jiggle pan a bit to coat. Lid on and it pops fairly quickly. Lots of gorgeous looking white fluffy popcorn, that tastes stale and slightly chewy :(

What am I doing wrong?
Thanks

[OliveOwl]

Using clarified butter rather than oil works well for crispiness.

[stirling]

OK, thanks will give it a go!

[OliveOwl]

Good luck! Needs to be clarified though, not just straight from the packet or it willpower soggy.

[healthylifestylee]

Home bargains microwave butter popcorn

[cheeserolls]

Once the corn is popped and pan still vvv hot, sprinkle on caster sugar and it will semi melt to make a sweet popcorn.
You have to be quick though.

[Myshitisreal]

I pop the corn in the microwave. Put 6rbsp popcorn, tsp water in a bowl and cover with a plate or make airtight. I stick on for 8 minutes, it starts to pop around 6 I think. Once the popping showed down I remove some and retry. Be careful of steam etc. Then I used this recipe allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/8013/toffee-popcorn.aspx 🤤

[PeacefulInTheDeep]

What works for me is:

• Use plenty of oil, you need the whole bottom of the pan covered in a thin layer
• Get the oil really hot - you want to see it smoking and rippling on the surface before the corn goes in
• Give it a good shake once the corn is in, hopefully it'll start popping almost immediately
• Lid slightly askew to let steam out, and give the pan a quick shake now and again to get the unpopped bits to the bottom
• Turn the heat down halfway once the popping slows, so that you don't burn the bits at the bottom

I had a phase of unsatisfying popcorn too, and found increasing the oil and being patient with it heating up made the most difference

[IHaveBrilloHair]

Definitely high heat to start, then turn down.
Don't over crowd the pan.
When still hot smother in proper butter and toss with smoked paprika.

[stirling]

Thanks everyone! Really great tips. Can't wait to try..

[LadyMonicaBaddingham]

Soak the dried kernels in warmish water for half an hour before making popcorn. They pop better, are fluffier and there'll be fewer duff kernels.