Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
If you’ve ever daydreamed about a Southern summer afternoon, then biting into these Fried Green Tomatoes will take you right there! Tangy, firm green tomatoes are coated in a perfectly seasoned crust, then fried to a golden, irresistible crunch. This classic dish bridges nostalgia and pure comfort, with each bite promising layers of flavor and that signature shattering crunch. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or side, Fried Green Tomatoes bring together down-home simplicity and irresistible taste—all in about thirty minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Fried Green Tomatoes lies in their straightforward ingredient list—each item plays a starring role in creating that crispy, flavorful coating and juicy inside. Don’t skip the essentials, because they all contribute to taste, texture, and color!
- Green Tomatoes: Look for firm, unripe tomatoes—they hold their shape while frying and give that iconic tang.
- Buttermilk: Acts as a tenderizing soak and gives subtle richness, ensuring the coating sticks beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides that crucial initial dusting for a sturdy, crunchy base.
- Cornmeal: Adds grainy texture and rustic flavor for extra Southern charm.
- Breadcrumbs: Give an even crispier crust, making each bite utterly satisfying.
- Salt: Brings the flavors to life and keeps the tomatoes from tasting flat.
- Black Pepper: Adds a classic hint of warmth that pairs so well with the other seasonings.
- Paprika: Offers lovely color and a subtle smoky depth to the breading.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the coating with a mild savory note.
- Eggs: Work as the glue for the breading, creating a rich, even coating.
- Vegetable Oil: Has a high smoke point, making it perfect for frying to golden perfection.
How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes
Step 1: Soak the Tomatoes
Start by slicing your green tomatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange them in a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over top, turning to coat well. Let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes—this helps mellow their sharpness and gets them ready for extra-crispy breading.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mixtures
While your tomatoes soak, mix up the breading. In a bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Line up your assembly station for easy dipping and dredging.
Step 3: Dredge and Coat the Tomato Slices
Take each buttermilk-soaked tomato slice and dredge it in the flour mixture, coating both sides. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then return it to the flour mixture for a final coating. (For a super-crispy result, double dip each slice through the egg and flour again!)
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
In a large skillet, heat about half an inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the coated tomato slices into the pan, leaving space so they can crisp up nicely. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until each slice turns golden brown and deliciously crunchy.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Transfer the fried tomatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil. Serve warm for the full experience—nothing beats Fried Green Tomatoes right out of the skillet!
How to Serve Fried Green Tomatoes
Garnishes
Fried Green Tomatoes love a finishing touch! Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and maybe a few cracks of black pepper. For even more zing, drizzle with a bit of hot sauce or your favorite remoulade right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Fried Green Tomatoes with classic Southern favorites like coleslaw, creamy grits, or a simple garden salad. They also shine next to grilled corn, pimento cheese dip, or tucked beside a hearty bowl of shrimp and grits for a true Southern spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer Fried Green Tomatoes into a burger or sandwich with spicy mayo, stack them into a decadent BLT, or top with a scoop of crab salad for a party-worthy appetizer. They’re also wonderful as a base for mini eggs Benedict or perched on crostini with goat cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftover Fried Green Tomatoes crisp, let them cool completely on a wire rack before storing. Move them to an airtight container, and place parchment between layers to prevent sogginess. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze Fried Green Tomatoes, lay cooked and cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag with layers of parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready for a quick snack anytime.
Reheating
To get the crispiness back, reheat Fried Green Tomatoes in a 400°F oven or toaster oven for about 10 minutes. For smaller batches, an air fryer works wonders. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the crust.
FAQs
Can I use red tomatoes instead of green?
It’s best to stick to firm, unripe green tomatoes for this recipe. Ripe red tomatoes are softer, juicier, and often fall apart during frying, while green tomatoes hold their shape and offer that classic tart flavor.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk for soaking?
Buttermilk is traditional and helps tenderize the tomatoes, but in a pinch, you can use regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar mixed in. The tanginess of buttermilk is part of the signature flavor, though!
Can Fried Green Tomatoes be baked instead of fried?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, you can arrange coated slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with a little oil, and bake at 425°F for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll still get a satisfying crunch.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil is a go-to because it tolerates high heat and gives great crispiness. You can also use canola or peanut oil for equally tasty results—just avoid olive oil, which has a lower smoke point.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Double-dipping in the flour-egg-flour sequence gives the coating extra staying power. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and don’t overcrowd the skillet—this helps keep everything crisp and attached.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Fried Green Tomatoes at home, this is your sign to try! With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of Southern soul, you can create an unforgettable dish that’s crispy, tangy, and sure to spark smiles at your table. There’s nothing quite like that golden first bite—so go ahead and enjoy this time-honored treat!
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Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make crispy and delicious Fried Green Tomatoes with this easy recipe. These tangy and savory treats are perfect as a Southern appetizer or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 medium green tomatoes sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- vegetable oil for frying
Breading Mixture:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Soak the Tomatoes: Place tomato slices in a dish, pour buttermilk over them, and let soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Prepare the Coating: Mix flour, cornmeal, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Beat the Eggs: In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet.
- Coat and Fry: Dredge tomato slices in flour, dip in egg, coat in flour again, and fry until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer fried tomatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve warm with dipping sauce.
Notes
- For an extra-crispy crust, double-dip each slice in the flour-egg-flour process.
- These pair well with ranch, remoulade, or a creamy sriracha dip.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 slices
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
