Tired of boring, bland popcorn that puts you to sleep? Get ready to wake up your taste buds with the most electrifying snack you'll ever experience! This Jalapeno Lemon Parmesan Popcorn is not just a snack – it's a culinary adventure that combines zesty lemon, spicy jalapeno, and rich Parmesan cheese in a mind-blowing flavor combination that will have you ditching those boring store-bought bags forever. Perfect for movie nights, game days, or when you're craving something extraordinary, this recipe transforms ordinary popcorn into a gourmet sensation that's sure to impress.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 jalapeno, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 finely chopped jalapeno, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and salt to taste.
- In a large pot, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.
- To test if the oil is ready, add a couple of popcorn kernels to the pot. Once they pop, the oil is hot enough to proceed.
- Add the 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels to the pot, ensuring they are evenly spread out on the bottom. Cover the pot with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar to allow steam to escape.
- Shake the pot gently back and forth over the heat to help the kernels pop evenly. Continue shaking occasionally until the popping slows down to about 2 seconds between pops.
- Once the popping has mostly stopped, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a minute to allow any remaining kernels to pop.
- Carefully remove the lid and transfer the popped popcorn to a large mixing bowl.
- While the popcorn is still warm, sprinkle in the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, the finely chopped jalapeno, and the 1 tablespoon of lemon zest.
- Season with salt to taste, tossing the popcorn gently to ensure that the cheese, jalapeno, and lemon zest are evenly distributed.
- Serve the Jalapeno Lemon Parmesan Popcorn immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your delicious and spicy snack!
Tips
- Oil Temperature is Key: Make sure your oil is hot but not smoking. Use the kernel test to check readiness – when a test kernel pops, you're good to go!
- Shake, Shake, Shake: Gentle, consistent shaking prevents burning and ensures even popping. Keep the pot moving!
- Spice Control: Remove jalapeno seeds for a milder kick, or leave them in for maximum heat. Know your spice tolerance!
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most intense flavor. Pre-grated cheese won't melt as beautifully.
- Serve Immediately: This popcorn is best enjoyed right after preparation when the cheese is melty and the flavors are most vibrant.
- Pro Hack: For extra zestiness, use a microplane to get the finest lemon zest possible, releasing maximum citrusy oils.
- Customize: Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese, jalapeno, and lemon zest to suit your personal taste preferences.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
