Sriracha Nooch Popcorn
A crunchy, spicy, and slightly cheesy snack that comes together in just 10 minutes. Made with popcorn, sriracha, butter, and nutritional yeast, this fiber-rich, plant-based treat is perfect for an everyday snack, game night, or a quick, satisfying bite.
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan with lid
- 1 large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons (1 Tbsp, 1/2 Tbsp)
- Measuring cup (1/3 cup)
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp high-heat cooking oil e.g., grapeseed, canola, sunflower
- 1/3 cup popcorn kernels
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 Tbsp sriracha
- 1/2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- Optional: salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Oil for Popping: Pour 2 tablespoons of your chosen high-heat cooking oil into a medium-sized saucepan. Place one popcorn kernel in the oil and cover the pan with a lid. Turn the stove to medium-high heat and allow the oil to warm. You’ll know it’s ready when that single kernel pops—this signals the oil is hot enough to pop all the kernels evenly.
- Add the Popcorn Kernels: Once the test kernel has popped, carefully lift the lid of the saucepan and add the remaining 1/3 cup of popcorn kernels. Immediately replace the lid and hold it securely. To ensure even coating, give the pan a vigorous shake back and forth for a few seconds so each kernel is covered in the hot oil.
- Pop the Corn Evenly: Keep the saucepan over medium-high heat and gently shake the pan every 10–15 seconds to prevent burning and encourage even popping. Listen closely—the kernels will start popping rapidly. Continue until the popping slows significantly, to roughly one pop every three seconds, which means most kernels have popped.
- Transfer to a Mixing Bowl: Carefully remove the pan from heat. Pour the freshly popped corn into a large mixing bowl. Let the saucepan sit for a minute or two to cool slightly. This step prevents the butter from burning in the next stage while still keeping it warm enough to melt smoothly.
- Prepare the Sriracha Butter: Add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of sriracha to the slightly cooled pan. Place the pan back over low heat just until the butter melts completely. Use a spoon or spatula to swirl the sriracha and butter together until you have a smooth, evenly combined spicy butter sauce.
- Coat the Popcorn Thoroughly: Drizzle the warm sriracha butter mixture evenly over the popcorn in your mixing bowl. To achieve the best coverage, transfer the popcorn back into the empty saucepan or keep it in the bowl with a lid. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 30–60 seconds. This ensures every kernel is fully coated in the flavorful, spicy butter.
- Add Nutritional Yeast: Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon of nutritional yeast evenly over the coated popcorn. Gently toss or shake the popcorn again to mix the nutritional yeast throughout. This adds a subtle cheesy flavor, boosts plant-based protein, and contributes a delightful umami note to every bite.
- Season to Taste: Taste your popcorn and decide if it needs a pinch of salt. Because the sriracha butter already adds flavor, seasoning is optional, but a small sprinkle can enhance the overall taste without overpowering the spice or cheesy notes.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the popcorn to a large serving bowl or divide it into individual portions. This snack is best enjoyed fresh, while it’s warm, crunchy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick snack, movie night, or a healthy, fiber-rich treat anytime.
- Optional Storage and Reheating Tips: If you need to store leftovers, place cooled popcorn in an airtight container. To refresh the crispiness, lightly warm in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave. Avoid leaving it exposed to air for too long, as the popcorn can lose its crunch.
Notes
- Use high-heat oils such as grapeseed, canola, sunflower, or safflower to prevent burning while popping the corn.
- Shake the pan frequently during popping to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burnt kernels.
- Nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesy flavor and boosts plant-based protein and B vitamins.
- Sriracha can be adjusted to taste—more for heat, less for milder flavor.
- This recipe is quick and versatile, perfect for a snack, movie night, or small gatherings.
