Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

Crispy, Tangy, and Irresistibly Southern Comfort

There’s something special about a plate of fried green tomatoes recipe, a dish steeped in Southern tradition but embraced far and wide. Green tomatoes, firm and slightly tart, are transformed into crispy, savory morsels with a golden coating. Whether served as a side dish, an appetizer, or the main star, fried green tomatoes are bound to impress at any meal. This recipe is the perfect mix of simple and satisfying no fancy ingredients, just wholesome Southern flavors that pack a punch. Even if you’re new to cooking, this dish is wonderfully approachable, requiring just a few steps to achieve that crispy perfection.

As Mark Twain once said, “The secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.” That perfectly sums up the joy of indulging in these fried green tomatoes something so simple yet so satisfying that they will linger in your memory long after the last bite.

Why You’ll Love This Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe:

1. Crispy Perfection: The breading on these fried green tomatoes is light yet crunchy, making every bite irresistibly satisfying.
2. Tangy and Tasty: The natural tartness of green tomatoes pairs perfectly with the seasoned coating, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
3. Easy and Quick: With just a handful of ingredients and a few basic steps, you’ll have a delicious plate ready in under 30 minutes.
4. Versatile Side or Snack: These fried green tomatoes make an excellent appetizer, side dish, or even a snack for your next gathering or family dinner.
5. Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re new to frying, this recipe is straightforward, with plenty of tips to ensure success every time.

How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized green tomatoes (firm, not fully ripe)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Slice the green tomatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. Lightly season them with salt and pepper on both sides. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release some moisture.
2. Set Up Breading Stations: You’ll need three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. In the third dish, combine cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a little salt and pepper.
3. Bread the Tomatoes: Begin by dredging each tomato slice in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the tomato slices into the egg mixture, making sure they’re well-coated. Finally, press them into the cornmeal mixture, ensuring an even coating on both sides.
4. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to about ¼ inch deep. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (or until a small bit of breading dropped into the oil sizzles immediately).
5. Fry the Tomatoes: Carefully place the breaded tomato slices into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your fried green tomatoes hot with a dipping sauce like ranch, remoulade, or hot sauce for an extra kick.

Tips for Perfect Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe:

1. Choose the Right Tomatoes: Opt for firm green tomatoes that haven’t ripened yet. They should be firm to the touch with a slight tartness, which is essential for balancing the flavors of the crispy coating.
2. Use Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a slight tang and helps the cornmeal adhere to the tomatoes. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
3. Cornmeal for Crunch: The combination of flour and cornmeal in the breading provides that irresistible crispy exterior. Don’t skip the cornmeal; it’s what gives fried green tomatoes their signature crunch.
4. Heat the Oil Properly: It’s essential to maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F for frying. Too hot, and the breading will burn; too cold, and the tomatoes will absorb excess oil, becoming greasy.
5. Drain on Paper Towels: After frying, always drain the tomatoes on paper towels to remove any excess oil, ensuring they stay crispy.

Fried Green Tomatoes FAQ:

Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

Thomas J. Moss

Crispy, Tangy, and Irresistibly Southern Comfort

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 240 kcal

Equipment

• skillet,
• Slotted spoon,
• paper towels.
• shallow dishes

Ingredients

  

• 4 medium-sized green tomatoes firm, not fully ripe
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for a bit of heat
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Tomatoes: Slice the green tomatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. Lightly season them with salt and pepper on both sides. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release some moisture.
• Set Up Breading Stations: You’ll need three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. In the third dish, combine cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a little salt and pepper.
• Bread the Tomatoes: Begin by dredging each tomato slice in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the tomato slices into the egg mixture, making sure they’re well-coated. Finally, press them into the cornmeal mixture, ensuring an even coating on both sides.
• Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to about ¼ inch deep. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (or until a small bit of breading dropped into the oil sizzles immediately).
• Fry the Tomatoes: Carefully place the breaded tomato slices into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
• Serve and Enjoy: Serve your fried green tomatoes hot with a dipping sauce like ranch, remoulade, or hot sauce for an extra kick.

Notes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 240 • Carbohydrates: 34g • Protein: 5g • Fat: 10g • Saturated Fat: 2g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g • Monounsaturated Fat: 4g • Sodium: 320mg • Potassium: 320mg • Fiber: 3g • Sugar: 6g • Vitamin C: 15mg • Calcium: 25mg • Iron: 2mg

Keyword Fried Green Tomatoes, Green Tomatoes Recipe

Final Thoughts:

The beauty of this fried green tomatoes recipe lies in its simplicity and authenticity. Whether you’re making them for the first time or continuing a long-standing family tradition, these crispy delights are sure to be a hit. There’s an old Southern saying,

“Good things come to those who wait… but better things come to those who fry.”

So, why wait? Dive into this timeless Southern comfort food today!

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