Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Are you ready to try a Southern classic that’s sure to impress? Fried green tomatoes are not just a dish; they are an experience that brings a crunchy, tangy burst of flavor to your palate. This recipe captures the essence of Southern cooking, combining simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering delight. Perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a snack, this dish is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the rich flavors of Southern cuisine.
Ingredients
– 4 medium green tomatoes
– 1 cup cornmeal
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 2 large eggs
– ½ cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional cooking time of 15-20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (based on 1 serving, approximately 3 slices):
– Calories: 250
– Protein: 6g
– Fat: 15g
– Carbohydrates: 28g
– Fiber: 2g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Slice the green tomatoes into ½-inch thick rounds.
2. In a shallow dish, mix the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
4. Dip each tomato slice into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Coat the tomato slices in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure coverage.
6. Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
7. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated tomato slices to the skillet.
8. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
9. Remove the fried tomatoes and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
10. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Alternative Ingredients
If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal for an extra crunch.
Serving and Pairings
Fried green tomatoes are fantastic on their own or served with a creamy dipping sauce like garlic aioli or ranch dressing. They also pair well with fried chicken, collard greens, or as a topping on a Southern-style burger.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until crispy. While it is not recommended to freeze them, you can freeze the uncooked, breaded slices for later use.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t use ripe tomatoes; green tomatoes provide the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding tomatoes to avoid sogginess.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for even cooking.
- Allow excess egg mixture to drip off to prevent a clumpy coating.
- Use paper towels to drain excess oil after frying.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add spices like cayenne pepper to your cornmeal mix.
- Try marinating the tomato slices in buttermilk for an hour before coating.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for best frying results.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces for variety.
FAQs
Can I use ripe tomatoes instead of green tomatoes?
Using ripe tomatoes will result in a mushy texture and a different flavor profile. Green tomatoes are firmer and have a tangy taste that works best for frying.
What dipping sauces go well with fried green tomatoes?
Popular dipping sauces include ranch dressing, remoulade, and garlic aioli. You can also serve them with a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick.
Can I make fried green tomatoes in advance?
You can prepare the breaded tomato slices in advance and refrigerate them until ready to fry. This will save time when you’re ready to serve.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
A good test is to drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready. Alternatively, use a thermometer to check for 350°F (175°C).
What can I do with leftover fried green tomatoes?
Leftover fried green tomatoes can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven. They can also be added to salads or sandwiches for a delicious twist.
Conclusion
Fried green tomatoes are a quintessential Southern dish that brings joy to any table. With their crispy exterior and tangy flavor, they are perfect as an appetizer or a side dish. This recipe not only captures the essence of Southern cooking but also invites you to share in the culinary tradition. Enjoy them with friends and family, and savor every bite!

Fried Green Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 4 medium green tomatoes
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Slice the green tomatoes into ½-inch thick rounds.
- In a shallow dish, mix the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
- Dip each tomato slice into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Coat the tomato slices in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure coverage.
- Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated tomato slices to the skillet.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Remove the fried tomatoes and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.