How can I pop popcorn kernels without a popcorn maker?

Question

I want to buy popcorn kernels but don't have a machine.

Answer 1

You can do it on the stove or in the microwave. If you do it in the microwave you put about a 1/4 cup of kernels in a paper lunch sack. Staple it closed with one staple and put it in the microwave for a couple minutes or until the popping slows you will have to watch and see because it depends on the microwave. Add butter and salt if you like. I have never made it on the stove there are probably directions on the kernel container.

Answer 2

If you dont have a popcorn maker, the best thing to do would be to get yourself a pot. put a small amount of oil or real butter in first, I would say no more than a tablespoon. Then put it on the stove and heat it until it is melted or hot...While you are waiting, you can measure out 1/3 cup popcorn kernels. When the oil or butter is ready...dump the popcorn in. You are going to want to put a lid on the top of the pot, turn the heat down to medium and then shake the pot in a circular motion. The popcorn will eventually start popping. When the popping slows down, turn the heat off. There you go!! Fresh popped popcorn! It tastes yummy this way too.

Answer 3

1) Don't pop kernals with butter: butter burns at the temp you need to pop kernals. Fill just the bottom of a Dutch oven with enough low smoke-point oil.
2) Heat the oil on medium until a drop of water "splatters" in it.
3) Carefully, add the kernals and cover, shaking once you hear the popping. (Use oven mitts and make sure that children and animals are far away for the purposes of accidents.)
4) You will hear an explosion of popping (continue shaking)...then it will begin to die down. When the pops are few, stop shaking and remove from the heat.
5) The old method, after removing from the stove, is to put the popcorn in a paper bag, shake, and pour melted butter in, and shake again.

Answer 4

you dont need a machine,
you can pop them right on the stove, just put a little oil at the bottom of a pot wait until it is heated and then put in some kernels, moving around the pot so the popcorn doesnt get burnt as they begin to pop... then you can add butter or whatever you like!

Answer 5

Put enough oil in the bottom of a pot that has a tight fitting lid. Add enough kernels to cover the bottom of the pot. Put over med heat and shake with the lid on untill all popped .

Answer 6

Put a little oil in a heavy pan, heat to med. high, add the corn, put the lid on and shake back and forth over the heat until it quits popping. I grew up fixing it like this. Is was the only way until they came out with Jiffy Pop. (which was ok, but not as good.) EDIT: I saw a lot of similar answers, but they forgot to tell you to cover it with a lid. It will pop all over the kitchen if you don't.

Answer 7

just put it in a bowl and microwave it. then, you can get some butter, put it in a bowl and microwave THAT for like a minute. and pour it over the popped popcorn kernels.

Answer 8

If you have a wok - put 1 T. of oil in the bottom and pop the corn. It is the best because of the shape - you don't have to shake it or babysit it as much as a regular pan. It was an Alton Brown tip from Food Network and it really works and is about the only thing I use my wok for!

Answer 9

You can pop the kernels in a pot with some butter or oil on the stove. You can salt it to taste while it is popping.

Answer 10

you do not need a machine at all. I make popcorn at home.
Just put some oil and salt in a pot and close the lid and wait for the corn to pop.