How to Pop Popcorn on a BBQ

Welcome, popcorn lovers! When it’s Summer, and it’s time to fire up the barbecue for a fun and delicious outdoor cooking experience and why not with popcorn?!

While we all know how to make popcorn in a microwave or on the stove, have you ever thought about popping it on your BBQ? If not, you’re in for a treat. We’ll show you how to make the perfect popcorn on your grill, creating an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.

Here’s the thing: popping corn on a grill is not only possible but a really fun thing to try. You won’t need any hard-to-find ingredients, and your smokey-flavored popcorn will be ready in a matter of minutes. Are you ready to push the limits of popping corn?

Can You Pop Popcorn on a BBQ Grill?

Next time you’re grilling, why not throw a pot of popcorn on the grill and see what you think? You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how delicious and easy it is to make.

Can You Just Throw Corn on the Grill?

The simple answer is no; you can’t just throw corn on the grill and expect it to pop. While grilling corn on the cob is a popular summertime treat, popping popcorn on the barbecue requires a different approach.

Directly exposing the kernels to the heat of the grill won’t create the pressure needed for them to pop. Instead, you’ll need to use a covered pot or pan to contain the kernels and trap the steam as they pop, similar to how you would make popcorn on the stove.

Can you Pop the Corn on a Corn-On-The-Cob (Sweetcorn)?

How Do You Pop Popcorn on a Grill?

There are no hard and fast rules for how to pop popcorn on a grill. At the end of the day, it all depends on how you like your popcorn. You have a variety of options to consider for your next barbeque, and here are the best ways to pop popcorn on a grill.

Method 1: Popcorn on a Disposable Baking Pan

Here’s what you need:

Here’s how to prepare it:

• First, pour a single layer of corn kernels into a disposable aluminum half-size baking pan. Make sure to spread the layer evenly at the bottom of the pan to have a good portion size so most, if not all, of the kernels feel the heat.
• Next, drizzle vegetable oil over the kernels so every kernel gets some oil. Optionally sprinkle with salt to taste.
• Now, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil. Make sure to leave space for the popcorn to expand in while securing the foil on the edges of the pan.
• Put the pan on the grill and set it to medium heat. Then, wait till you hear the kernels start to pop.
• Once the popping starts, use a pair of grill tongs to gently sway the pan from side to side.
• After about a minute, turn off the heat, and allow the popping to start to slow down.
• Once it slows down, open the tin foil and empty the popcorn into a serving bowl.
• Lastly, add extra toppings and seasonings as you like.

Method 2: Popcorn on a Deep Pan or Skillet

Here’s what you need:

Here’s how to prepare it:

• The first step is to oil the deep pan or skillet. Make sure the pan is small enough for the grill to close. Then, grease the pan enough to ensure your kernels don’t stick to the bottom and burn once you place them over the fire.
• Alternatively, drizzle the kernels with oil before placing them on the pan.
• Next, heat the grill to a medium temperature, place the kernels inside the oiled pan, and cover the pan with a sheet of aluminum foil.
• Place the pan over the grill and close the grill’s lid.
• Let the pan sit on the grill until popping begins. This should take about 45 to 60 seconds.
• Once popping starts, open the lid, hold the pan with a pair of grill tongs, and shake it back and forth to ensure the kernels heat evenly. Do this as the popping continues until it slows. This can take about 60 more seconds. When popping slows, remove the pan from the fire and add seasonings and toppings to your liking.

What Seasonings Can I Add to Barbeque Popcorn?

You need to find the right seasoning to enhance the rich, smoky taste that comes with barbeque popcorn. Below are a few seasoning suggestions that may work for you.

• Salt and Sugar: This duo may be the oldest trick in popcorn-making history, but it works wonders for BBQ popcorn. The right balance for this seasoning mix would be two teaspoons of granulated sugar to one teaspoon of table or sea salt. If you have more popcorn, you can adjust the quantities as you deem fit.

• Maple Bacon Seasoning: If you’re feeling more experimental, you can try maple bacon seasoning for your BBQ kernels. This flavor requires one tablespoon of pure maple syrup and three tablespoons of crumbled bacon.

• Smoked Paprika: For a spicy taste, you can choose smoked paprika as your seasoning. Sprinkle a dash of the powder over your popcorn when hot to ensure it sticks. You can also add ground cayenne to spice things up even more.

For more info on popcorn seasoning check this article – Popcorn Seasoning Ideas (No More Bland Popcorn!)

Let’s BBQ Some Popcorn

Instead of the usual popcorn-making process in the kitchen, you can decide to spice things up literally by making popcorn on a grill. Barbeque popcorn is not only fun to make, but it’s also tasty, with a rich and inviting smokey taste. Additionally, it pairs up with multiple flavors, allowing you to enjoy your kernel snack as anything from sweet and savory to hot and spicy.

Next, check out more interesting ways to pop popcorn.

Sources

https://www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com/Blog/post/how-to-pop-popcorn-on-the-grill.aspx
https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/recipes/articles/did-you-know-that-you-can-make-popcorn-on-a-barbecue
https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-grill-the-best-corn-on-the-cob-233260