Irresistibly Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe for Summer Joy

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this delightful fried green tomatoes specialty with crispy, tangy goodness.

Unripe tomatoes bring unexpected magic to your plate when coated in seasoned cornmeal.

Slicing firm, green tomatoes requires a sharp knife and gentle touch.

Crisp edges and soft interiors create a magical contrast that delights your palate.

Buttermilk adds subtle tang while helping breading stick perfectly to each slice.

Generations of cooks have perfected this classic technique that turns simple ingredients into something spectacular.

You’ll find yourself craving these golden-brown treats that showcase pure southern comfort.

Grab a skillet and let’s make something deliciously memorable together.

Fried Green Tomatoes Overview

• Savor Southern Comfort: Dive into a classic Southern dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen, celebrating traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations.
• Master Quick Culinary Skills: Learn an impressive cooking method that transforms simple green tomatoes into a crispy, golden-brown delicacy with minimal cooking expertise required.
• Enjoy Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and casual get-togethers, these fried green tomatoes serve as an outstanding appetizer or side dish that'll wow your guests with their irresistible crunch and flavor.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home: Recreate a beloved Southern restaurant favorite in your own kitchen, saving money while impressing family and friends with your cooking prowess.

Ingredients for Fried Green Tomatoes

Main Ingredients:

Green Tomatoes: Fresh unripe tomatoes that provide a tangy and firm base for this classic Southern dish.

Vegetable Oil: A neutral cooking oil ideal for deep frying and achieving a crispy golden exterior.

• Flour, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika: A seasoned flour mixture that creates the first layer of coating for the tomatoes.
• Breadcrumbs, Cornmeal: A crunchy combination that provides a textured and crisp exterior when fried.

• Buttermilk, Egg White, Hot Sauce: A flavorful liquid mixture that helps the breading adhere to the tomato slices and adds subtle tanginess.

• Coarse Salt: Helps draw out moisture from the tomato slices and enhances overall flavor.
• Remoulade Sauce Ingredients: A creamy, zesty condiment that complements the crispy fried green tomatoes.

How to Prepare Fried Green Tomatoes

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Remoulade Sauce

Create a flavor-packed sauce by mixing all remoulade ingredients in a bowl. Blend thoroughly, taste, and adjust seasonings.

Stash in the refrigerator to let flavors mingle and chill.

• mayonnaise
• capers
• Dijon mustard
• hot sauce
• chopped herbs
• lemon juice
• minced garlic

Step 2: Slice and Prep Tomatoes

Grab those firm green tomatoes and slice them into perfect rounds using a sharp knife.

Sprinkle each slice with a touch of salt and let them rest for half an hour. This helps draw out extra moisture.

Gently pat each slice dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Create Breading Stations

Set up three shallow dishes for your breading adventure:

First dish: Combine flour with bold seasonings

Second dish: Whisk buttermilk with egg white and a splash of heat

Third dish: Mix breadcrumbs with cornmeal for ultimate crunch

Step 4: Coat Those Tomato Slices

Dredge each tomato slice through your stations:

First, dust with seasoned flour

Next, dive into buttermilk mixture

Finally, roll in crispy breadcrumb blend

Place breaded slices on a wire rack to set.

Step 5: Heat Up the Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a cast iron skillet. Bring the temperature to a sizzling 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Watch for that perfect shimmer.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully lower 3-4 breaded tomato slices into the hot oil.

Fry until each side turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning.

Step 7: Drain and Rest

Transfer fried tomatoes to a paper towel-lined plate. Let excess oil drip away, creating that perfect crispy exterior.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Plate those crispy green tomatoes immediately. Serve alongside the chilled remoulade sauce.

Watch as everyone dives in with excitement!

Tips for Fried Green Tomatoes

• Slice tomatoes uniformly for even cooking and crispy texture.
• Pat tomato slices dry after salting to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy breading.
• Use a wire rack when breading to keep coating intact and prevent moisture buildup.
• Monitor oil temperature carefully to achieve perfect golden-brown color without burning.
• Serve immediately after frying to maintain maximum crunchiness and optimal taste.

Variations of Fried Green Tomatoes

• Gluten-Free Southern Comfort: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version.
• Baked Light Option: Skip frying and bake breaded tomato slices at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through for a healthier alternative.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Add cayenne pepper to breading mixture and mix hot sauce with sriracha for an extra spicy remoulade sauce that enhances traditional flavors.
• Vegan Green Tomato Fritters: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk, use chickpea flour instead of regular flour, and replace egg white with aquafaba for plant-based version.

Pairing Ideas for Fried Green Tomatoes

• Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the fried green tomatoes and complement the tangy remoulade sauce.
• Serve with an ice-cold sweet tea or a classic mint julep that balances the crispy, savory flavors and adds a traditional Southern touch to the dish.
• Choose a light, hoppy pale ale or wheat beer that provides a refreshing contrast to the deep-fried texture and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Pair with a light, fresh summer salad featuring mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness of the fried tomatoes and add nutritional variety.

Storage Instructions for Fried Green Tomatoes

• Refrigerate: Store leftover fried green tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
• Reheating in Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to restore crunchiness and even heating.
• Air Fryer Reheating: Set air fryer to 370°F. Place tomatoes in a single layer without overcrowding. Warm for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly and crisp exterior returns.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual tomato slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 1 month.

FAQs

• Are green tomatoes different from regular tomatoes?

Green tomatoes are unripe tomatoes that have a firm texture and tangy flavor, unlike ripe red tomatoes which are soft and sweet. They’re specifically chosen for this recipe to provide a unique taste and crispy texture when fried.

• Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?

Yes, store-bought breadcrumbs work perfectly. However, for extra flavor and crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs or mixing your own breadcrumbs with cornmeal as the recipe suggests.

• Why do I need to salt the tomato slices and let them sit?

Salting helps draw out excess moisture from the tomato slices, which prevents soggy breading and ensures a crispier final result. The 30-minute resting period allows the salt to extract water, making the frying process more effective.

Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 58 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern classic Fried Green Tomatoes bring crispy, tangy goodness to summer tables. Green tomatoes coated in seasoned cornmeal create a perfect golden crunch you’ll savor with Southern pride.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 large green tomatoes (approximately 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
• 1.5 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup fine white cornmeal
• 1 large egg white
• 1.5 tsps kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
• 0.25 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp onion powder
• 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
• Coarse salt
• 1.25 cups mayonnaise
• 2.5 tbsps spicy brown mustard
• 2 tsps prepared horseradish
• 2 tsps lemon juice
• 1 tbsp paprika (either sweet or smoked)
• 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
• 1 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
• 1 tsp pickle juice (either dill or sweet)
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1 garlic clove (grated)
• Black pepper (ground)

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Instructions

1. Craft the remoulade sauce by blending all ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly, taste, and fine-tune seasonings. Refrigerate until serving time.

1. Using a serrated knife, slice green tomatoes into uniform 3/8-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle salt on both sides and let rest for half an hour to extract moisture. Gently blot each slice with paper towels to ensure dryness.

1. Create three distinct coating stations. First station: combine flour with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Second station: whisk buttermilk, egg white, and hot sauce until smooth. Third station: thoroughly blend breadcrumbs and cornmeal.

1. Dredge each tomato slice through the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into buttermilk mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Roll in breadcrumb-cornmeal blend, pressing gently to adhere. Position coated slices on a wire rack without touching.

1. Allow breaded tomatoes to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling the coating to set firmly.

1. Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet to 350°F. Look for a shimmering, pre-smoking stage of the oil.

1. Carefully lower 3-4 breaded tomato slices into hot oil. Fry until achieving a rich golden-brown color, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Maintain consistent oil temperature.

1. Transfer fried tomatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Keep warm if not serving immediately.

1. Plate the crispy tomatoes alongside chilled remoulade sauce. Serve hot for maximum crunch and flavor.

Notes

• Prevent Soggy Breading by ensuring tomatoes are thoroughly dried after salting, which removes excess moisture and helps the coating stick better.
• Customize Breading Mix by experimenting with different spices like cayenne, dried herbs, or smoked salt to add unique flavor profiles to your tomato coating.
• Maintain Consistent Oil Temperature around 350°F to achieve crispy, golden-brown exteriors without burning or becoming greasy.
• Accommodate Gluten-Free Diets by substituting regular flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend, and using gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating.

• Prep Time: 50 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg