Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried Green Tomatoes are a classic Southern appetizer featuring crispy, golden slices of firm green tomatoes coated in a seasoned flour and cornmeal mixture, then fried to perfection. This recipe offers a crunchy exterior with a tender, tangy interior, making them a flavorful and versatile snack or side dish that’s easy to prepare at home.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Tomatoes
- 4–5 firm green tomatoes, sliced 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (or flaxseed wash for vegan alternative)
- 1 cup cornmeal (or gluten-free cornmeal)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (optional, for soaking)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika or cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice)
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, enough for frying (about 1/2 inch deep in skillet)
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash and dry the green tomatoes thoroughly, then slice them into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick rounds. Make sure the slices are sturdy enough to hold together during frying without being too thick to cook through properly.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika or cayenne; a second with beaten eggs mixed with buttermilk if using; and a third with seasoned cornmeal. Each step layers flavor and texture onto the tomato slices.
- Bread the Tomato Slices: Coat each tomato slice first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage. Finally, dredge the slice in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating adhere well.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the breaded tomato slices in batches, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and the tomatoes soften slightly but remain firm.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried green tomatoes from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm, garnished as desired, and accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces or sides.
Notes
- Choose firm, unripe green tomatoes that are not too hard to avoid sogginess.
- Use fresh, clean vegetable oil to enhance flavor and crispness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain consistent oil temperature.
- Keep finished tomatoes warm in a low oven when frying multiple batches.
- Drain on a wire rack rather than paper towels whenever possible to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 slices
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Fried Green Tomatoes, Southern recipe, appetizer, crispy, vegetarian, gluten-free option