Fried Green Tomatoes: A Southern Classic with a Crispy Twist
Fried green tomatoes are a beloved Southern dish that turns underripe tomatoes into golden, crispy slices of tangy goodness. With their firm texture and slightly tart flavor, green tomatoes are ideal for frying. This dish has a perfect balance of crunch on the outside and juiciness on the inside. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or even layered into sandwiches, fried green tomatoes are a true comfort food. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making them from scratch.
🥬 What Are Fried Green Tomatoes?
Fried green tomatoes are slices of unripe (green) tomatoes that are coated in a seasoned cornmeal and flour mixture, then fried until crisp and golden brown. Though widely associated with Southern American cuisine, they have found fans across the country thanks to their unique flavor and satisfying crunch.
🍅 Ingredients
To make about 4 servings of fried green tomatoes, you’ll need:
For the Tomatoes:
- 4 medium green (unripe) tomatoes
- Salt, for sprinkling
For Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal (yellow or white, fine or medium grind)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Dipping:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (canola, peanut, or sunflower oil) for shallow frying
👩‍🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
- Wash and slice the green tomatoes into ¼ to ½ inch thick slices.
- Lay the slices on a tray or paper towel and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let them sit for about 15–20 minutes. This draws out excess moisture and helps the coating stick better.
- Blot dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
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