sriracha peanut kettle corn
I’m no Shakespeare (duh). But if I was, I would wax poetic all day long about popcorn: specifically, this popcorn. It’s sweet and spicy and totally addictive and, well, should I compare it to a summer’s day? It is more lovely and more temperate — AND SCENE.
Truly, though, if your love of the popcorn is anything remotely near the level that mine is (that is to say, I eat a bowl of it at least every other day, true story), I implore you to mix things up for your next bowlful and make this sriracha peanut kettle corn. It might even make you bust out into sonnet, too.
I go through phases with my popcorn routine — sometimes, I’m all about the good old butter and salt combo. Other times, I’ll make it everything bagel-style, or I’ll drizzle peanut butter on top (or peanut butter mixed with melted chocolate chips then drizzled on top, SUH GOOD). I do love a good toss of candy in the mix, too, like M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces, but I also love tossing a bunch of it with coconut oil and sea salt or Old Bay seasoning. It’s so versatile, that popcorn.
That being said, I have a confession: Until very recently, I would always forgo stove-topped popcorn in favor of microwave popcorn, for the convenience. I KNOW, I know (hangs food blogger head in shame). But now that I’ve got a decent stash of Bob’s Red Mill white and yellow popcorn kernels on hand (thanks, Bob!), I’ve been stove-topping it all the live-long day and I like it. I like it a whole lot. ← I mean, if that’s not Shakespeare I don’t know what is.
I used white popcorn kernels for this recipe, but the yellow kernels will do just as nicely (or do a combo of both! So innovative). Basically, what you do is this: Heat some oil (coconut or vegetable both work splendidly!) and a few kernels in a very large covered pot on the stove. When those kernels pop, add in the remaining kernels along with some sugar and sriracha — I used about a tablespoon of sriracha for the recipe, which will give the end result just a hint of spiciness, so feel free to adjust according to your preference. Stir everything together, cover the pot again and shake-shake-shake the pot over the heat so the kernels pop evenly and avoid burning. This process happens pretty quickly, so be prepared!
And if you happen to be one of those oddballs who takes photos of her food (I don’t know anyone like this, ahem), also be prepared to not be able to take any photos of the popping process unless you’ve got a tripod/timer/third arm set up because a) both hands will be used to shake the pot on the stovetop and b) it all happens so quickly, you won’t be able to finagle a camera to save your life before all the kernels start popping. Not that I have any experience in this or anything.
Sprinkle the popcorn with some flaky sea salt, an extra drizzling of sriracha and a decent handful of dry-roasted peanuts, if you want, and once everything is cooled and set, you will have about 10 cups’ worth of sweet, spicy, popcorn-y goodness. Which is about one serving in this household. And it was DELICIOUS.
PrintSriracha Peanut Kettle Corn
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 8 to 10 cups 1x
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons coconut or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup Bob’s Red Mill white or yellow popcorn kernels
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha, plus more for drizzling (optional)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Dry-roasted peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a covered large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat oil and a few popcorn kernels. Once kernels pop, remove cover and quickly stir in remaining kernels, sugar and sriracha.
- Cover pot again and shake vigorously over heat until most kernels are popped and popping slows to every 2 to 3 seconds. Remove from heat; uncover and continue to shake until popping stops completely.
- Pour popcorn in an even layer on 2 rimmed baking sheets. Drizzle lightly with more sriracha, if desired. Sprinkle with sea salt and dry-roasted peanuts, if desired. Cool completely.
Disclosure: I received compensation from Bob’s Red Mill for recipe development purposes. All opinions are my own.
Oh man – action shots of popping popcorn. Good for you for even attempting! I want to eat this popcorn everyday for the rest of my life. Amazing!
Mmmm, I want a huge bowl! And homemade popcorn tastes so much butter than microwaved. So fresh and homemade-y.
Dude, I am loving this recipe. I really need to add more popcorn in my life! xoxo
Wow, this looks like it’d be dangerous for me – so addictive and spicy, I know I couldn’t stop at just one serving ๐
Ohhhh Stephanie I commented on Instagram but I’ve gotta say, this. sounds. incredible. I love spicy so this is a great combination for me! Thanks for the inspiration ๐
This looks amazing! I love a little bit of spice with peanut butter!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
I’m really into sriracha right now and I love popcorn, so this sounds like a match made in heaven! Thanks for the brilliant idea, Stephanie!
Sriracha and Sugar – you are talking my language!
I seriously need to get on the homemade kettle corn bandwagon! Looks great!
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Yes please!! I am such a sucker for a good spicy/salty treat!
Sriracha + roasted peanuts in my kettle corn?! I’d definitely burst into a sonnet over this tasty snack. I admit, I’ve been more of a microwaved popcorn eater in the past, but I love the idea of coming up with new, clever flavors for the stove-top cookin’. Lookout, I’m about to get all Shakespearean all up on this kettle corn’s grill. – AND SCENE!
Oh. my. god. This popcorn looks so good! Sweet, spicy, buttery…and with peanut butter? Yes, please.
Spicy popcorn is so up my alley! I love love this idea!
Omg….You just blew my mind!!! This is absolute perfection!!!!