Place the butter in a glass measuring cup with a spout. Microwave on high for 30-40 seconds until foamy. Let cool for 1-2 minutes, to allow the layers to separate.
Using a spoon, gently scoop off the foamy top on the butter and discard (no need to be perfect, just get as much as you can). Set the butter aside while you make your popcorn.
In a large soup pot with a lid, melt the coconut oil over high heat. Add in the popcorn kernels, and swirl to coat all the kernels.
Shake the pot frequently to avoid burning. Once the first kernel pops (about a minute or two), immediately place the lid on the pot, but leave it ajar so steam can escape.
Continue shaking the pot frequently until the popping slows down. Once it does slow down, remove the pot from the heat and let sit for a few minutes while the final kernels pop.
Once all the kernels are done popping, slowly stream the butter over the popcorn, stopping when you reach the opaque part of the melted butter (see photo in post). Discard the remaining butter or save for another use.
Stir the popcorn, and then season with the desired amount of salt.
Video
Notes
Coconut oil matters. Use virgin (unrefined) coconut oil for real movie theater flavor. Refined works too but loses some of that authenticity.
No flavacol needed. Regular fine salt does the job, flavacol is just extra-fine salt anyway. Or use my homemade popcorn seasonings for even more flavor!
Skip clarifying with ghee. Ghee is already clarified butter, melt and pour straight over the popcorn.
Want bigger, fluffier pieces? Use mushroom-style popcorn kernels instead of standard ones.
Use a big, light pot. Popcorn expands a lot, and cast iron is a pain to shake for several minutes straight.
Vent the lid. Leave it slightly ajar once popping starts, or you'll have popcorn everywhere.
Batch your clarified butter. Make a large batch ahead and store it in the fridge for months.
Don't toss the milk solids. Save them for pasta sauce, omelets, or baked goods.