Popcorn Hybrid Storytellers / Unsplash
Cover Spice up your popcorn with these 7 easy twists (Photo: Hybrid Storytellers / Unsplash)

If you’re sick and tired of butter and cheese popcorn, these gourmet twists are exactly what you need

As reliable as good old popcorn can be, the classic movie snack can get a little monotonous from time to time. Even with a variety of flavours available on the market (be it the overloaded cheese or with a dash of fragrant truffle) you might find yourself craving something new, a touch more creative. As a healthier alternative to most chips, popcorn is an excellent go-to for merienda, pica pica or even that quintessential midnight snack. Try out these seven easy gourmet twists that will effortlessly elevate your popcorn, and impress your guests too. 

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1. Furikake

Tatler Asia
Popcorn Max Griss / Unsplash
Above Furikake is often used as a seasoning in onigiri (Photo: Max Griss / Unsplash)

Head to the Land of the Rising Sun with this fragrant, umami twist. The addition of furikake—a dry seasoning that blends seaweed, bonito flakes, sesame seeds, and other Japanese staples into one convenient mix—is an easy but brilliant trick, great for when you’re craving something salty and savoury.

Since furikake is dry but not powdery, getting it to stick to your popped corn may prove challenging. Simply toss the popcorn in some melted butter (or try some toasted sesame oil for extra flavour) before adding in the furikake, and you’re all set. 

Tatler Tip: For an inspired touch of caramel, which enhances the subtle sweetness of furikake, check out this recipe with a quick glaze that uses ingredients you likely already have on hand. 

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2. Cinnamon Sugar

Tatler Asia
Popcorn Mareefe / Pexels
Above Cinnamon and sugar are a comforting combination great with popcorn, too (Photo: Mareefe / Pexels)

Maybe you’re looking for something sweet, but lightly spiced, reminiscent of a warm slice of apple pie or the fan-favourite Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Adding some cinnamon and brown sugar to your butter, ghee, or neutral oil of choice and coating your popcorn in the liquid goodness makes for a healthier, snackable alternative to these indulgences—a great way to curb the craving whenever it strikes. 

Tatler Tip: In addition to cinnamon, feel free to experiment with some nutmeg or allspice as well. While both are woody and warm spices that go great with the classic cinnamon, you might find that nutmeg is more delicate, while allspice has a deeper and more complex flavour. 

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3. Everything Bagel

Tatler Asia
Popcorn Vicky Ng / Unsplash
Above Enjoy everything bagel seasoning on everything! (Photo: Vicky Ng / Unsplash)

One need not know what is in everything bagel seasoning to know that it is absolutely delicious. The versatile seasoning is great on anything, be it on egg, avocadoes or (of course) bagels, and popcorn is no exception. Though variations exist, the pantry item typically starts with a mix of dried onion, dried garlic, salt, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds.

Depending on the flakiness or powderiness of your dried onion and garlic, you may be able to toss and coat the seasoning with ease while the popcorn is still hot. If not, some melted butter should do the trick.

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4. Garlic Bread

Tatler Asia
Popcorn Karolina Grabowska / Pexels
Above Give your popcorn a garlicky bite (Photo: Karolina Grabowska / Pexels)

Who doesn’t love garlic bread? The fuss-free addition of melted butter, chopped parsley, garlic powder, some salt, and finely grated parmesan will surely elevate your flick fare into a delightfully sinful treat. 

Tatler Tip: For a sharper garlic flavour, add in some freshly grated garlic in lieu of garlic powder, and lightly toast in melted butter over low heat for greater depth of flavour.

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5. Ramen

Tatler Asia
Popcorn CharlesDeLuvio / Unsplash
Above Marry two instant-cook snacks, ramen and popcorn (Photo: CharlesDeLuvio / Unsplash)

Perhaps the most unconventional on the list, ramen popcorn has become somewhat of a well-kept secret among the more adventurous foodie depths of the Internet. “A ramen packet makes an awesome popcorn seasoning,” posted one Reddit user, who recommended mixing the seasoning powder “with some melted butter or margarine” before tossing it through the popcorn.

This recipe by country singer-turned celebrity chef Trisha Yearwood takes it a step further with grated garlic and scallions, achieving a fresher and more robust flavour profile. Don’t knock it till you try it.

6. Lemon and Thyme

Tatler Asia
Popcorn Karolina Grabowska / Pexels
Above Try lemon and thyme for a delicate but bright twist (Photo: Karolina Grabowska / Pexels)

As a subtle, floral herb, thyme goes wonderfully with a hit of citrus. Enjoy the match made in heaven in your popcorn by stirring some lemon zest, minced fresh thyme leaves, and lemon juice into your melted butter before drizzling it over the popcorn and shaking a bit of salt and pepper throughout to finish.

Tatler Tip: Substitute regular thyme for lemon thyme, which has natural citrus flavours to will accentuate the brightness of snack. Alternatively, if all you’ve got on-hand is dried thyme, that will also work in a pinch.

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7. Elote

Tatler Asia
Popcorn Robert Penaloza / Unsplash
Above Elote is a popular, must-try street food from Mexico (Photo: Robert Penaloza / Unsplash)

If you’ve yet to try elote, hunt down your nearest Mexican outlet and order up a serving of this classic street food. Juicy, buttery chargrilled corn gets a hearty slather of mayonnaise and/or Cotija cheese, additionally topped with lime, cilantro, chillies, and salt for a treat that is creamy, spicy, yet beautifully zingy. How could that not be delicious?

Try out the combination with Martha Stewart’s recipe for elote-style popcorn, which uses cayenne, Pecorino Romano, and the popular chilli-and-lime seasoning Tajin to emulate the Mexican staple.

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