How to Use Microwave Popcorn Without a Microwave Popcorn Maker
how to use microwave popcorn without a microwave
If you’re tired of buying microwave popcorn at the grocery store, it might be time to consider purchasing your own microwave popcorn maker! Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be able to control the ingredients you use and make healthier popcorn in the process. However, if you already have a microwave and don’t want to purchase a new one, there are still ways that you can use microwave popcorn without owning a microwave popcorn maker! Here are three different ways to make microwave popcorn without a microwave popcorn maker!
Table of Contents
Popcorn in the Baggie Method
If you don’t have a microwave popcorn maker, no problem. Purchase an ordinary brown paper lunch bag from your local grocery store, and bring it home. The next time you want some popcorn, follow these easy steps:
1. Empty your bag of old unpopped kernels and pour in 1/4 cup of kernels for each serving (typically one serving of popcorn is approximately 3/4 cup). Close your bag securely with rubber bands or string and set aside.
2. Turn on your stove burner to medium-high heat; cooking time will vary depending on how much you’re making, but usually 5 minutes is enough (if you need directions on using your stovetop effectively, ask a family member or call help lines in advance).
3. Once your stove has heated up, place your sealed bag of popcorn on top of two burners—or as close as possible—to ensure even heating.
4. Once you hear popping sounds coming from inside your bag, turn off your burners and remove the bag from heat. Let cool for about 30 seconds before opening up your snack! You can season with salt or other seasonings if desired before eating. Enjoy!
The Over-the-Sink Method
This method involves cooking popcorn over your sink with no microwave. This is perhaps one of my favorite techniques because it’s easy, you don’t need any special equipment, and it makes for delicious-tasting popcorn! Here are step-by-step instructions for how to use microwave popcorn without a microwave:
1. Add 3 tablespoons of oil (coconut or vegetable) and 1⁄4 cup of corn kernels into a brown paper bag. The ratio should be approximately 2 parts oil to 1 part corn kernels.
2. Fold down top of bag three times before twisting at both ends.
3. Set bag on top of two plates and place over your sink so that any popped corn will fall in your sink, not onto your countertop (see image below).
4. Heat on high for about 2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds after 1 minute.
5. Once popping slows down significantly, remove from heat and dump contents into a bowl.
6. Enjoy! I hope you enjoy making popcorn like this—it’s definitely my favorite way to make microwave popcorn without a microwave popcorn maker! If you have any questions about how to use microwave popcorn without a microwave please leave them in the comments section below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible Best wishes & happy eating!.
The Stovetop Method
First, place your popcorn in a large pot and cover it with an inch of water. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Cover and reduce heat until water is simmering. Add butter or oil if desired, then cover and simmer for 3 minutes or until kernels begin to pop. Remove from heat, remove lid, toss with butter and/or salt (optional), then serve immediately.
Wrapping Your Kernels in Paper Towels
Whether you already have microwave popcorn (or want to invest in one), it’s best if you follow directions when making your snack. You can pop on paper towels without an official popper or bowl; just place 2 tablespoons of kernels in a brown paper bag and fold shut, then put it into your microwave for 2 minutes.
It may take some trial and error before you find exactly how long your microwave needs to be set for, but don’t keep running it! Make sure that your microwave is completely cooled down before reusing (because every second matters!). You can also avoid potential burns by handling hot bowls with an oven mitt or towel.
What if None of These Methods Work?
There are several different options you have if microwave popcorn isn’t working for you. First, you can try making your own stovetop popcorn. Many claim that they enjoy it more and it’s certainly cheaper than buying microwave popcorn at most grocery stores. You can also try using a brown paper bag as an alternative to store-bought bags (though you may need to experiment with additional kernels for fewer unpopped kernels).
Another option is to purchase an air popper which will give you better quality popcorn, but these can be quite expensive and if used too often may become tedious. Perhaps your best bet is just getting used to doing without; many people report that once they stopped eating microwave popcorn, they no longer missed it at all!
Where Can I Buy a Microwave Popcorn Popper?
The easiest way to get your hands on one is through an online store like Amazon. You’ll find different varieties of poppers at a variety of price points. If you have time, it might be worth visiting your local kitchen and housewares stores for one. It may cost more, but you can actually see how it works before buying.
(And if you don’t want to deal with shipping costs, that’s also fine.) Just be sure not to purchase one with other features attached—you won’t need any additional bells and whistles unless you plan on giving your popcorn maker lots of additional uses, which will increase its footprint in your kitchen and make things difficult when it comes time for storage!