Ridiculously Easy Sea Salted Microwave Caramel Corn
User Reviews
5
Ridiculously Easy Sea Salted Microwave Caramel Corn
Description
Ridiculously Easy Sea Salted Microwave Caramel Corn brings together freshly popped popcorn and a homemade caramel sauce prepared entirely in the microwave. The caramel combines salted butter, light and dark brown sugars, corn syrup, and kosher salt, which is cooked in bursts of one to two minutes, stirred frequently to achieve a bubbly and cohesive syrup. Vanilla extract and baking soda are incorporated toward the end, ensuring a lightness in the finished coating. Once the caramel is combined, it is poured over the popcorn and finished with flaky sea salt for a balanced sweet and salty flavor.
Microwave cooking simplifies the process, removing the need for constant stovetop attention while still producing a rich caramel coating. The use of both light and dark brown sugar contributes depth to the caramel's flavor. The texture is crisp and slightly chewy due to the caramel, with popcorn providing a crunchy base. The finishing sprinkle of Maldon flaky sea salt offsets the sweetness with subtle saltiness and a bit of crunch.
This caramel corn makes a satisfying snack blend of sweet and salt that you can prepare quickly in your kitchen. It is ideal for sharing during movie nights, parties, or simply when you want a homemade treat without a complicated process.
Following the steps carefully, including stirring the caramel mixture multiple times as it cooks, will ensure the best texture. Be attentive while microwaving so the caramel does not burn or undercook. Utilizing parchment paper on your work surface helps in handling the sticky caramel corn once it is coated and cooled.
Ingredients
- 16 cups Popcorn see post for types of popcorn, popped
- ¾ cup butter I use salted
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ⅓ cup corn syrup not high fructose corn syrup - I use Karo
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- sea salt I love Maldon, flaky
Instructions
- Prepare a work surface by laying out two 3-feet long pieces of parchment paper, overlapping slightly.
- After popping the popcorn, transfer it to a bowl. Lift the popcorn with your hands and shake the bowl lightly so the old maids (unpopped kernels) fall to the bottom. Lift the 4 quarts of popcorn out of the bowl and transfer to a large brown paper grocery bag.
- Combine the butter, brown sugars, corn syrup and salt in a large microwave-safe bowl. Place in the microwave and heat on high power for 2 minutes. Stir to combine. If the butter is not completely melted, return to the microwave for another 30-60 seconds.
- After stirring, return to the microwave for 1 minute. The mixture should be bubbling up furiously by this point. Remove bowl and stir well then return to the microwave for another minute. Repeat this cooking and stirring for a total of 3 more minutes.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the vanilla and baking soda. Stir well until all of the baking soda is well incorporated. Pour the hot mixture over the popcorn in the bag. Fold the top of the bag down once and shake, shake, shake to distribute syrup through the corn.
- Microwave on high power for 1 minute. Remove the bag and hold it at the top and one of the bottom corners. Shake well and return to the microwave for another minute. Repeat cooking and shaking two more times for a total of 4 minutes. Turn the popcorn out onto the prepared parchment paper. Allow to cool completely.
- Sprinkle, to taste with flaky sea salt. (Just take a good pinch in between your thumb and forefinger and rub the fingers together to break up the large flakes.)
- Store in an airtight container. The caramel corn will keep well for 1-2 weeks.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 235 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 235kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 23mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 306mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 78mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 26g | 52% |
| Vitamin A | 285IU | 6% |
| Calcium | 23mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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