Perfect wok popcorn is a technique that makes some of best popcorn we’ve ever had. All you need is a wok, some oil, and popcorn kernels. And these instructions on how to pop popcorn on the stove.
Perfect Wok Popcorn
Special Equipment: A 14-inch flat-bottomed wok or other large pot with a lid
Ingredients
Directions
Pour the oil and just a few popcorn kernels into a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok (or other large pot), cover, and place over medium heat until 1 or 2 kernels begin to pop, about 1 1/2 minutes.
Working quickly, open the lid just enough to pour in the remaining popcorn. Immediately cover the wok and reduce the heat to medium-low. If you do not hear constant popping, increase the heat to medium. Shake the wok constantly back and forth on the burner until the kernels stop popping, about 1 1/2 minutes.
Immediately dump the popcorn into a bowl and season with salt to taste. Originally published January 18, 2011.
How To Season Your Wok By Making Popcorn In It
Cookbook author Grace Young explained to us that making popcorn in a wok accomplishes a couple things. Arguably most importantly, it creates the lightest, airiest, most perfect popcorn. Less predictably, it also helps season her wok. “As the kernels pop, they evenly disperse a light coating of oil around the wok’s entire inside surface, which the heat then burns in,” Grace explains in her book, Stir-Frying to the Sky’s Edge. “Of course, popping corn will not make a new wok suddenly look or behave like a 30-year-old pan. The traditional way to develop a patina once the wok has been seasoned is to cook regularly with the wok; you cannot replicate the elegance of a truly old wok overnight. However, the popcorn trick will cheat the process a little. If you’re content to let your wok slowly age without shortcuts, then use this recipe only if you want perfect popcorn.” And you thought you were just getting perfect popcorn.
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I have used a cast iron wok to pop corn for years. One of the reasons I use a wok is because I do not have to shake it. The heavier kernels fall into the hot oil as the lighter popped corn sits on top. I just turn off the heat while there is still a few seconds between pops. This way makes perfect popcorn and I rarely have unpopped kernels..
Love it, David! Appreciate you sharing your wok trick!
This IS the Perfect Popcorn recipe! Now after two flawless attempts I deem this method a complete success: perfectly popped popcorn, no burned pieces, and very few to no left over kernels! I will admit, I was skeptical when trying this recipe. I thought for sure the heat of the wok would burn the popcorn, but this method is better than any other method I have previously tired (microwave, large flat bottomed pot, air popper). I used a piece of 18 inch long heavy duty foil and I laid it flush to the edges of the wok lid and folded the excess over the top edges of the lid, so in essence it made a flat surface for the popcorn to bounce off of. The 18 inch foil length helped create a nice seal and fit perfectly on the lid of my wok. While the foil did make clean up a breeze, I also do think the foil served a purpose of keeping the steam closer to the kernels and allowing the popping to be done quickly, in about 1 1/2 minutes once the popping began. Once finished, I wiped out the wok with a dry paper towel since the popping seemed to season my wok effortlessly in the popping process, a win, win!
Dawn, it seems like you have this down cold! (Or should I say “hot?”) Grace Young, one of my very favorite cookbook authors, really does hit it out of the park with this recipe. So glad you like it.
I have a round bottomed wok, will popcorn recipe still work okay ?? TY Cathy
Cathy, yes, it should work perfectly. Please report back, k?
Popcorn made in a wok? That’s clever! Thanks for the popcorn post – oh how I LOVE the little organic, non-GMO popping corn which is so petite, purple, with that old-world nutty flavor. Then when popped, little jewels are dressed with a bit of coconut oil, olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, a crank or 4 of cracked pepper, and a couple of dashes of powdered garlic, or lemon pepper. Your choice – but either way? What bliss. 🙂
You’re very welcome, Jana. And I know that bliss well. I mean, I know my version of your popcorn bliss well, which is teensy organic, non-GMO kernels that pop up hull-less and white as white can be with a slightly sweet, delicate flavor, dressed only with the olive oil they were popped in and some crushed coarse sea salt. Ah…there may be popcorn for breakfast at this rate!
My kids think I make the best popcorn. I pop it in ghee and add powdered salt. I like mine popped in olive oil with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a healthy sprinkle of Tabasco sauce. I eat if for lunch once a week or so.
Am so with you on popcorn being considered a proper meal, Sande!