How Do You Make Popcorn In A Microwavable Popcorn Bowl?

Microwavable popcorn bowls revolutionized the popcorn experience by making it quick and easy to pop popcorn right in the microwave. These handy bowls emerged in the 1980s and 1990s as microwave ovens became widespread in households. They consist of a bowl lined with an aluminum foil pouch filled with popcorn kernels, oil, and seasoning. The convenience of being able to make popcorn by simply placing the bowl in the microwave for a few minutes made popcorn accessible as a snack anytime. Microwavable popcorn bowls also helped cut down on the mess of loose kernels jumping around in the microwave. This article provides a step-by-step guide to making popcorn in a microwavable popcorn bowl, from ingredients to cooking method. We’ll also cover some variations and alternatives.

Source: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/where-did-microwave-popcorn-come-from-1208515/

Ingredients Needed

To make popcorn in a microwavable popcorn bowl, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Microwavable popcorn bowl – This is a special bowl designed for making popcorn in the microwave. It typically has a built-in lid and vents for releasing steam.
• Popcorn kernels – You’ll need around 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels. Make sure to use regular kernels and not pre-packaged microwave popcorn.
• Optional seasonings/toppings – You can flavor your popcorn however you like. Some ideas are salt, butter, olive oil, grated Parmesan, cinnamon sugar, ranch powder, etc. [1]

Prepare the Bowl

Preparing the microwaveable popcorn bowl is a very easy process. First, remove the plastic wrap from inside the popcorn bowl. This plastic wrap helps keep the bowl fresh before use. Be sure to remove and discard all of the plastic wrap prior to adding popcorn kernels.

Next, add the popcorn kernels to the bowl. It’s best to follow the guidelines on your specific bowl’s packaging for the amount of kernels to use. Generally, this will be around 1/3 to 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels. Spread the kernels out evenly along the bottom of the bowl.

Finally, seal the bowl by closing and securely latching the lid. This helps the steam stay trapped inside during the microwaving process, ensuring the kernels pop properly. Make sure the lid is fully closed before placing the bowl in the microwave. Your popcorn bowl is now ready for microwaving!

Sources:

https://www.popcorn.org/Recipes/Unpopped-to-Popped

Microwave Instructions

For popcorn bowls that come with specific wattage and timing instructions, follow the directions on the packaging. However, most bowls do not include exact times.

In general, Orville Redenbacher recommends microwaving popcorn bowls for 2 to 4 minutes on high power (1000 watts). The popping time can vary based on the wattage of your microwave. For a lower 700 watt microwave, start with 4 minutes and 30 seconds according to recommendations on Reddit.

Regardless of wattage, listen for the popping to slow down to 1-2 seconds between pops before stopping the microwave. This indicates the popcorn is nearing completion. If you stop too soon, the popcorn may not all pop or expand properly. If you wait too long, the kernels may burn.

Do not leave the microwave unattended – stay nearby and listen for the popping to gauge doneness. Popping times can vary based on the bowl design, amount of kernels, and your microwave wattage.

Remove from Microwave

Once the kernels have stopped popping, carefully remove the popcorn bowl from the microwave using oven mitts. The bowl will be extremely hot right out of the microwave, so use caution when handling it to avoid burns. Slowly open the vent on the lid, pointing it away from you. Hot steam will escape through the vent, so keep your face and hands clear. Allow all the steam to vent before carefully removing the lid completely.

According to the UCLA Health News (https://www.uclahealth.org/news/eating-microwave-popcorn-increases-the-level-of-pfas-in-body), the inside of the bowl and lid may have residual chemical coatings from manufacturing, so avoid direct contact with the hot surfaces when removing from the microwave. Use oven mitts and remove any unpopped kernels before eating.

Season and Enjoy

Once your popcorn is done cooking in the microwave, it’s time to season it to add that delicious flavor. There are many exciting seasoning options to choose from. Cheese flavors like white cheddar are very popular, as are other savory options like ranch, buffalo, or jalapeño [1]. You can also go for sweet seasonings like caramel, cinnamon sugar, or kettle corn flavoring [2].

For best results, remove the popcorn from the microwave immediately after cooking and season it right away while it is still hot. This helps the seasoning stick to the popcorn. You can drizzle a little bit of melted butter on the popcorn first to help the seasoning adhere even better.

Be sure to eat the popcorn soon after seasoning. The sooner you eat it, the more delicious it will taste! The popcorn’s fresh, hot flavor combines perfectly with the seasoning you’ve added.

Microwave Variations

When microwaving popcorn, you may need to adjust the cook time based on your microwave’s wattage. Most microwavable popcorn is designed for 1000-1100 watt microwaves. If your microwave is less powerful, you will need to increase the cooking time. For an 800 watt microwave, try increasing the cook time by 1-2 minutes. For a 600-700 watt microwave, increase cook time by 2-3 minutes. Monitor closely and stop cooking when the popping slows to 2-3 seconds between pops.

You may also need to adjust cooking times for popcorn based on your altitude. Popcorn takes longer to pop at higher altitudes due to the lower atmospheric pressure. According to one source, an extra minute of cook time is recommended for each 1000 feet above sea level when microwaving popcorn [1]. Try increasing cook time in 30 second increments at higher altitudes until you find the ideal time for your microwave and location.

Stovetop Alternative

If you prefer traditional stove making popcorn, you can follow these steps:

Get a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid, add 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil and 2-3 popcorn kernels. Turn the heat to medium and put the lid on. Wait until you hear the kernels pop, then remove the pot from the heat and add 1/3 cup popcorn kernels. Source 1

Return the pot to medium-high heat. Shake it gently to distribute the kernels evenly over the bottom. Cover and wait for the popping to begin. Once it starts, gently shake the pot back and forth over the burner. Source 2

Once the popping slows to a few seconds between pops, remove the pot from the heat. The hot air trapped in the covered pot will finish popping the stragglers. Once it’s quiet for a full 5 seconds, you can carefully remove the lid.

Storage and Reheating

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the crispness and fresh taste of leftover popcorn. According to Bedford Candies, the best way to store popped popcorn is in an airtight container, whether it’s a popcorn tin, plastic container, or glass storage container [1]. Storing the popcorn at room temperature in an airtight container will keep it fresh for 1-2 weeks. Refrigerating the popcorn will cause it to lose its crispness from condensation.

To reheat leftovers, spread the popcorn out in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute to warm it up without losing the crisp texture. You can also reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally [2]. Avoid reheating multiple batches as this increases steaming and softness. When properly stored and reheated, leftovers can taste almost as fresh as just-popped popcorn.

Conclusion

Making popcorn in a microwavable popcorn bowl is a fun, easy way to enjoy this tasty snack. Simply add the popcorn kernels to the bowl, microwave for 2-3 minutes, and enjoy! The bowl’s unique design allows the kernels to pop and circulate inside, resulting in evenly popped, fluffy popcorn.

For best results, use fresh popcorn kernels and resist opening the microwave prematurely. Let the kernels fully pop before removing the bowl. Then season the popcorn to taste – adding salt, butter, or other spices creates delicious flavors. Reheat any unpopped kernels for a short time to get any last pops.

Microwave popcorn is perfect for quick snacking anytime. Making it yourself in a popcorn bowl allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors. So grab your popcorn bowl and get ready to enjoy one of the most beloved snacks around!