Thai Popcorn

This is one of my favorite snacks. All the great flavors of Thai cuisine in handy popcorn form!

Thai Popcorn

INGREDIENTS

1/3 to 1/2 cup popping corn kernels (roughly 8 cups prepared popcorn)

1 cup finely chopped dry-roasted, salted peanuts (optional)

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

For the caramel sauce:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup vegetable oil or butter (I prefer butter)

1/4 cup corn syrup

2 or 3 tsp fresh lime juice

1 tbsp freshly grated lime zest

1 1/2 tbsp Asian fish sauce (fyi, if you don't use fish sauce, you'll have to add salt)

1 rounded tablespoon Sambal red chili sauce, finely diced fresh hot chilies or 1 TBSP Sriracha

rounded 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (not baking powder)

METHOD

Pop the corn and toss in the peanuts and cilantro. Spread the popcorn out on a large cookie sheet.

Zest the lime and set aside.

Add the brown sugar, vegetable oil or butter, corn syrup, lime juice and fish sauce to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce, the heat to low and allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Once it has simmered for 5 minutes, add the chilies and baking soda. Once the mixture turns creamy, pour it over the popcorn and toss. Enjoy!!!