Gochujang Caramel Popcorn with Toasted Sesame Seeds

Sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive—this Korean-inspired caramel popcorn is your next snack obsession.

It crackles with heat and crunch, like a midnight market snack straight from the heart of Seoul.

Ingredients

For the Popcorn

½ cup popcorn kernels (or 12 cups air-popped popcorn)

1 tbsp neutral oil (if popping fresh)

For the Gochujang Caramel Sauce

1 cup light brown sugar

½ cup unsalted butter

¼ cup light corn syrup or honey

2 tbsp Gochujang paste

½ tsp sea salt

½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish

1 tbsp white sesame seeds

1 tbsp black sesame seeds

Instructions

You’ll hear the popcorn crack as it’s coated in bubbling red-amber caramel, and smell the toasty sesame warmth wafting from the tray...

Pop the Popcorn

Pop the kernels in a large pot with oil or use an air popper. Spread popped popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Remove any unpopped kernels.

Make the Gochujang Caramel

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Stir until melted and bubbling (3–4 minutes).

Reduce heat and whisk in gochujang and salt until smooth. Simmer for 1 minute more. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla. Mixture will foam up.

Coat the Popcorn

Immediately pour the hot caramel over the popcorn. Use a spatula or two spoons to toss and coat everything quickly and evenly.

Bake for the Perfect Crunch

Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Bake coated popcorn for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes for even texture.

Finish with Sesame Seeds

In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the white and black sesame seeds over the popcorn and stir one last time. Let cool completely—caramel will crisp as it cools.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 8 cups

Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love It

Combines rich caramel sweetness with gochujang heat and sesame nuttiness—total flavor bomb.

Perfect for parties, gifting, or binging your favorite series with sticky hands and no regrets.

Sticky, glossy, fiery, and crisp—this popcorn is a flavor-packed thrill ride in every bite , Caramel Popcorn with Toasted Sesame Seeds

Sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive—this Korean-inspired caramel popcorn is your next snack obsession.

It crackles with heat and crunch, like a midnight market snack straight from the heart of Seoul.

Ingredients

For the Popcorn

½ cup popcorn kernels (or 12 cups air-popped popcorn)

1 tbsp neutral oil (if popping fresh)

For the Gochujang Caramel Sauce

1 cup light brown sugar

½ cup unsalted butter

¼ cup light corn syrup or honey

2 tbsp Gochujang paste

½ tsp sea salt

½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish

1 tbsp white sesame seeds

1 tbsp black sesame seeds

Instructions

You’ll hear the popcorn crack as it’s coated in bubbling red-amber caramel, and smell the toasty sesame warmth wafting from the tray...

Pop the Popcorn

Pop the kernels in a large pot with oil or use an air popper. Spread popped popcorn onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Remove any unpopped kernels.

Make the Gochujang Caramel

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Stir until melted and bubbling (3–4 minutes).

Reduce heat and whisk in gochujang and salt until smooth. Simmer for 1 minute more. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla. Mixture will foam up.

Coat the Popcorn

Immediately pour the hot caramel over the popcorn. Use a spatula or two spoons to toss and coat everything quickly and evenly.

Bake for the Perfect Crunch

Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Bake coated popcorn for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes for even texture.

Finish with Sesame Seeds ✨

In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the white and black sesame seeds over the popcorn and stir one last time. Let cool completely—caramel will crisp as it cools.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 8 cups

Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love It

Combines rich caramel sweetness with gochujang heat and sesame nuttiness—total flavor bomb.

Perfect for parties, gifting, or binging your favorite series with sticky hands and no regrets.

Sticky, glossy, fiery, and crisp—this popcorn is a flavor-packed thrill ride in every bite