Thai Red Coconut Curry Popcorn Recipe

Updated June 05, 2019

Inspired by the flavors of a spicy red Thai coconut curry, this homemade popcorn is flavored with a fragrant mix of coconut, chili power, lemongrass, makrut lime leaves, garlic, and ginger. A little sugar rounds out the assertive flavors into an compelling little package.

Note: Dried chili powder can have different levels of heat depending on the type; you may have to adjust, adding more or less than the recipe calls for, to get the heat level right.

Beyond Butter: 7 Popcorn Flavors to Upgrade Your Snacking

Recipe Details

Thai Red Coconut Curry Popcorn Recipe

Active 10 mins

Total 10 mins

Serves 4 to 6 servings

Makes 8 cups

Ingredients

5 tablespoons dried coconut flakes
5 dried makrut lime leaves
2 teaspoons muscovado or dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder (see note)
1 teaspoon roughly chopped fresh lemongrass
1 teaspoon powdered ginger
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest from 1 lime
1/2 cup popcorn kernels, popped (about 8 cups popped)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Kosher salt

Directions

In an electric spice grinder or high-power blender, combine coconut, lime leaves, sugar, chili powder, lemongrass, powdered ginger, garlic powder, and lime zest and blend until a fine powder forms.
Place popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl and drizzle melted butter all over, tossing to coat evenly. Add about 1/4 cup coconut mixture, tossing to coat evenly; add more, if necessary, until popcorn is well coated (leftover coconut mixture can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days). Season with salt and serve. Popcorn can be stored at room temperature in a zipper-lock bag overnight.

Special equipment

electric spice grinder or high-power blender

This Recipe Appears In

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
141	Calories
12g	Fat
8g	Carbs
1g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories	141
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g	15%
Saturated Fat 6g	31%
Cholesterol 20mg	7%
Sodium 235mg	10%
Total Carbohydrate 8g	3%
Dietary Fiber 1g	5%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 0mg	1%
Calcium 7mg	1%
Iron 0mg	2%
Potassium 47mg	1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.