In a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat the oil over medium-high heat. add the popcorn. When the oil sizzles, sprinkle the sugar over the kernels. Cover and shake the pan until the popping slows down, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and toss with the salt.
First you need to line your baking trays with baking paper, you're not going to be using an oven for anything but you need these trays prepared
Then get your saucepan, put the oil in and heat it up
Next you need to put the popcorn kernels in the pan and make sure the lid is on tight (I always like to use a see through lid as it's fun watching the popcorn pop)
As the popcorn starts to heat, it'll start to pop, make sure that you shake the pan frequently, turn down the heat to medium
When the popping slows down and it's nearly stopped then remove from the heat, it should have taken roughly around 4 – 5 minutes, be careful not to burn it
Now in a separate saucepan you'll need to melt the butter gently
Then it's time to add in the syrup, sugar and vanilla
Keep it on a gentle heat and make sure you stir it
Once the sugar has dissolved you can you can turn up the heat and let this lovely syrup bubble away until it becomes a wonderful rich caramel looking colour, this usually takes around 4 – 5 minutes
One the syrup is ready pour it all over the popcorn and give it a good stir, you want it to have an even coating over all of the popcorn
Now tip it out onto the baking trays, making sure that it's just a thin layer of popcorn, you want to make sure it doesn't stick together too much
Now sprinkle it with a generous helping of sea salt flakes
Once it's cooled, then put into popcorn bags or bowls and serve