Fried Green Tomatoes are a Southern classic that offer the perfect combination of crispy, tangy, and savory in every bite. Firm, unripe green tomatoes are sliced, coated in a seasoned cornmeal batter, and fried to golden perfection. The result is a crunchy exterior with a soft, slightly tart interior that makes for a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
The first time I made fried green tomatoes, I was curious to try something different with tomatoes, and they quickly became a favorite. The crispy coating adds a satisfying crunch, while the tomatoes maintain a subtle tartness that’s beautifully balanced by the seasoning. What I love most about this dish is its versatility—you can enjoy it on its own as an appetizer, serve it with a dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mayo, or even add it to sandwiches or salads for extra flavor. Fried Green Tomatoes are the perfect treat to serve at any gathering or as a comforting snack!
Perfect for:
- Family gatherings
- Southern-themed dinners
- Appetizers
- Barbecues
- Tomato lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Fried Green Tomatoes will become your go-to dish:
- Crispy and Golden: The coating turns perfectly crispy, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite.
- Savory and Flavorful: The green tomatoes offer a unique, slightly tangy taste that complements the seasoning.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
- Perfectly Fried: The tomatoes cook up tender on the inside while staying crispy on the outside.
- Versatile: Serve as a side dish, appetizer, or even on a sandwich for a Southern treat.
- Homemade Dipping Sauce: Paired with a zesty dipping sauce, these tomatoes offer an extra punch of flavor.
- No Special Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up any time.
- Naturally Vegetarian: A satisfying vegetarian dish, perfect for meatless meals.
- Ideal for Sharing: A crowd favorite that’s perfect for family-style meals or parties.
- Gluten-Free Option: You can easily substitute with gluten-free flour for a delicious alternative.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Fried Green Tomatoes:
- 4 medium green tomatoes, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Green Tomatoes: These unripened tomatoes are firmer than ripe ones, giving the dish its signature texture and flavor.
- Cornmeal: Provides a wonderfully crispy crust, adding texture and flavor to the tomatoes.
- Buttermilk: Helps the batter adhere to the tomatoes and adds richness to the flavor.
- Paprika: Adds depth of flavor with a subtle smokiness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Slice Tomatoes: Slice the green tomatoes into ½-inch thick rounds.
- Prepare Dipping Station: In one bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg and buttermilk together.
Fry the Tomatoes:
- Heat Oil: Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Dredge Tomatoes: Dip each tomato slice into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture, coating both sides.
- Fry Tomatoes: Carefully place the coated tomato slices into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Make the Dipping Sauce:
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if using). Stir until smooth.
Serve:
- Plate and Serve: Arrange the fried green tomatoes on a platter and serve with the dipping sauce on the side.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Fried Green Tomatoes:
- As an Appetizer: Serve as a starter with dipping sauce for guests to enjoy before the main course.
- In a Sandwich: Layer fried green tomatoes on toasted bread with lettuce and mayo for a Southern-inspired sandwich.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside fried chicken, barbecue, or any Southern-style meal.
- With Collard Greens: Pair with collard greens for a classic Southern meal.
- On a Salad: Top your favorite salad with fried green tomatoes for an extra crunch.
- For Brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or a breakfast hash for a savory brunch option.
- With Grits: Combine with creamy grits for a true Southern feast.
- As a Snack: Enjoy them on their own for a crispy, satisfying snack.
- With Cheese: Serve with a dollop of goat cheese or feta for a tangy contrast.
- With Hot Sauce: Add an extra kick by drizzling with your favorite hot sauce.
Additional Tips
- Choose Firm Tomatoes: Select tomatoes that are firm and green, not too ripe, as they hold up better when fried and have a tangy flavor.
- Slice Evenly: Cut the tomatoes into uniform 1/4-inch thick slices to ensure they cook evenly.
- Season the Flour: Add salt, pepper, and other spices (like garlic powder or paprika) to your flour coating for extra flavor.
- Use Cornmeal for Crunch: A mixture of cornmeal and flour gives the tomatoes a crisp, golden crust. You can adjust the ratio based on your preference.
- Double Dipping: For a thicker crust, dip the tomato slices in egg wash, coat them in flour and cornmeal, and dip them in the egg wash again before coating with the dry mixture.
- Preheat the Oil: Ensure your oil is hot (around 350°F/175°C) before frying to get a crispy texture without sogginess.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the tomatoes in batches, leaving enough space for each slice to fry evenly and prevent them from sticking together.
- Use Cast Iron: A cast iron skillet helps maintain an even cooking temperature and gives the tomatoes a crispy, golden crust.
- Drain on Paper Towels: After frying, place the tomatoes on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve Immediately: Fried green tomatoes are best served hot and fresh, as they lose their crispiness over time.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Fried Green Tomatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
- Parmesan Crusted: Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the cornmeal mixture for added flavor and a golden crust.
- Herb-Infused: Mix dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the cornmeal for a fragrant twist.
- Beef Bacon-Wrapped Fried Green Tomatoes: Wrap the tomato slices in beef bacon before frying for a smoky, savory version.
Special Equipment
- Skillet or Frying Pan: For frying the tomatoes to crispy perfection.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: To carefully turn the tomatoes in the hot oil.
- Paper Towels: For draining excess oil after frying.
- Mixing Bowls: To prepare the coating and dipping sauce.
- Meat Thermometer: Optional, to check the temperature of the oil (should be around 350°F).
FAQ Section
- Can I use ripe tomatoes instead of green tomatoes?
It’s best to use green tomatoes, as they are firmer and hold up better during frying. Ripe tomatoes may become too mushy. - Can I prepare these in advance?
Fried green tomatoes are best served fresh, but you can prep the tomatoes and batter in advance and fry them when ready to serve. - Can I freeze fried green tomatoes?
Yes, you can freeze fried green tomatoes for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture. - What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute. - How do I keep fried tomatoes crispy?
Keep fried tomatoes warm in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F) on a wire rack to help them stay crispy while you fry the rest. - Can I use a deep fryer instead of a skillet?
Yes, a deep fryer works well too. Just make sure to maintain the oil temperature around 350°F. - Can I make these ahead and reheat them?
Fried green tomatoes are best fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven to help restore some crispiness. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover fried green tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy. - Can I add cheese to the tomatoes?
Yes, sprinkle shredded cheese on top after frying for a cheesy twist. - What dipping sauces can I use?
You can try different dipping sauces like ranch dressing, remoulade, or spicy ketchup for added flavor.
Conclusion
Fried Green Tomatoes are a classic Southern dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. Sliced green tomatoes are coated in a flavorful cornmeal batter and fried to golden perfection, making them the ultimate crunchy snack or side dish. Whether served with a creamy dipping sauce or on their own, these fried green tomatoes are sure to impress.
This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for using up unripe tomatoes from your garden or farmer’s market. The crunchy exterior pairs beautifully with the slightly tart green tomatoes inside, and you can add a little kick with hot sauce or a sprinkle of spices for extra flavor.
I can’t wait to see how your Fried Green Tomatoes turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!