Hurricane Popcorn was first sold from a pushcart from the Windward Mall in Kaneohe, O'ahu, Hawaii. It was so popular, that the creator started The Hawaiian Hurricane Company and sells the very popular snack throughout the Islands in theaters, event venues, and stores.
You can also buy it in stores in Hawaii pre-popped, a microwave version, or just the toppings to add to your own popcorn. It is also one of those "Hawaii-only" Costco items you might have to hoard while visiting the Islands. To get it on the mainland, you either have to request it as a "bring back from vacation" item, or order it by mail.
Luckily, you can actually make it yourself at home, adjusting the ingredients to suit your taste. If you do, make plenty, because it will disappear quickly!
Ingredients in Hurricane Popcorn:
Popcorn: Freshly popped. You can use microwave or air popped popcorn, but I prefer fresh popcorn popped in oil in a pan or a wok.
Mochi Crunch: Mochi crunch is the term used in Hawaii for mixed arare rice crackers (or kakimochi). I combined some Japanese arare crackers and a differently shaped arare rice cracker. Most grocery stores, especially Asian grocery stores, will have some glutinous rice crackers that you can use to make this snack. Be sure to use extra crunchy crackers.
Nori Furikake: Nori furikake is a rice seasoning that includes salt, sugar, sesame seeds, and roasted sea weed. You can usually find the JFC brand. It's the can with the blue label. JFC makes several flavors of furikake, all fun and delicious. Just be sure to use the nori version for this popcorn.
Butter: You will need about three tablespoons of melted butter for three quarts of popped popcorn.
Optional Ingredients:
Soy sauce: I added 1/8 teaspoon to the melted butter.
Salt: There was plenty of salt in the nori furikake, so I skipped any extra salt.
To Make Homemade Hurricane Popcorn:
First, pop the popcorn and transfer it to a large bowl. Toss it with the melted butter (and optional soy sauce).
Next, add in the furikake and toss to distribute in evenly.
Finally, add the mochi crunch and toss. Serve immediately or save it for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
Once you've tried this popcorn, you may never have "plain" popcorn again!
I'd definitely like to try it with some added wasabi peas next time. I've read that at the original push cart you could order all kinds of mix and match ingredients, including cheese or kettle corn flavors.
Note: The crackers are heavier than than popcorn and tend to sink toward the bottom of the bowl, so be sure to toss everything for a final time to redistribute.
Hawaii has a snack tradition that is like no other state. If you are visiting, it is not a bad idea to bring an empty bag for packing with some of your favorites! If you can't get to the Islands, there is always mail order. Shop Hawaiian Snacks seems like a fun site to browse!
I'm excited to have discovered Hurricane popcorn for this year's alphabet challenge!
2025 Alphabet Challenge - Letter "H"
H is for Hurricane, Hagelslag, Halloumi, Huckleberry, Honey, Herring, Herbs, and Homemade:
- A Day in the Life on the Farm: Asian Beef Bowls (with Hamburger)
- Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Baked Homemade Buttery Herb Croutons
- Blogghetti: Copycat Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning
- A Messy Kitchen: Dutch Hagelslag
- Mayuri’s Jikoni: Grilled Halloumi Salad
- Sneha’s Recipe: Homemade Mango Frooti
- Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Honey Mustard Breaded Chicken
- Culinary Cam: Huckleberry and Earl Grey Tea Cakes
- Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Hurricane Popcorn
- Food Lust People Love: Smoked Herring Spread
Last year, for the letter H, I made a Harissa Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner.... delicious!
Hurricane Popcorn
Hurricane popcorn is a wonderful Hawaiian snack made with fresh buttered popcorn mixed with mochi crunch (mixed arare rice crackers) and nori furikake (a Japanese rice seasoning).
Ingredients
- 12 cups freshly popped popcorn (popped in oil, air popped, or microwaved)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/8 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1/3 cup nori furikake
- 1 cup mochi crunch (mixed Japanese arare rice crackers)
Instructions
- Place the freshly popped popcorn into a large bowl.
- Combine the melted butter and soy sauce and pour it over the popcorn. Toss with a large slotted spoon or spider strainer. Add the nori furikake and toss.
- Mix in the mochi crunch and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
532Fat (grams)
13 gSat. Fat (grams)
8 gCarbs (grams)
76 gFiber (grams)
7 gNet carbs
69 gSugar (grams)
27 gProtein (grams)
7 gCholesterol (grams)
23 mg
I had never heard of this snack during my visits. When I return next year I am going to seek it out.
ReplyDeleteActually, I hadn't either since we tended to stay at resorts and not live like a native. I remember a post Cam did on Hawaiian snacks and was totally intrigued by the the variety!
DeleteWhat a fun snack! I need to make some for movie night!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carlee!
DeleteMy kiddo would absolutely love this. We really like arare and furikake already and she is definitely a salty snack girl.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...this isn't something I've had before. It looks pretty gosh darn yummy though. Guess I'll have to pop up/mix up a batch to try!
ReplyDeleteFreshly popped on the stove top is the best! I always think sweet mix ins for popcorn, loving this version!
ReplyDelete