Crispy and Delicious 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.

FAQ Of Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe:

A Bread Lover’s Dream – Bake fluffy Cottage Cheese Bread Rolls at home.

People also ask

1. Is fried green tomatoes just unripe tomatoes?

Yes, fried green tomatoes are made from unripe tomatoes. They are typically harvested before they turn red and ripen. Green tomatoes have a firmer texture and tangy flavor compared to their ripe counterparts. This firmness makes them perfect for frying, as they hold up well and don’t become mushy.

2. What is the best way to eat fried green tomatoes?

Fried green tomatoes are delicious on their own, served as a side dish, or they can be part of a larger meal. Here are some popular ways to enjoy them:

• As an appetizer: Serve them with a dipping sauce, like ranch, spicy mayo, or a tangy remoulade.
• On a sandwich: Fried green tomatoes are a great addition to a sandwich, especially when paired with bacon and lettuce.
• With a side of grits: In the Southern tradition, fried green tomatoes are often served with a side of creamy grits.

3. How do you make green tomatoes safe to eat?

Green tomatoes are safe to eat once they are cooked, as the heat breaks down certain compounds, like solanine, that are naturally present in the unripe fruit. However, they should not be eaten raw in large quantities, as solanine can cause digestive upset in some individuals. Cooking, such as frying or roasting, makes them perfectly safe and delicious.

4. What is the point of fried green tomatoes?

The point of fried green tomatoes is to take advantage of the unripe tomatoes, which would otherwise go to waste. By frying them, you create a dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a unique flavor that is different from ripe tomatoes. It’s a way to enjoy tomatoes year-round, even before they ripen, and it’s a beloved dish, especially in Southern cuisine.

5. What was the age gap between Ruth and Idgie?

In the novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, Ruth and Idgie have a complicated relationship. Ruth is older than Idgie by around 10 years, though their exact ages aren’t specified. Ruth is often described as more mature, while Idgie is free-spirited and adventurous. Their bond deepens throughout the story, and while their age difference exists, it doesn’t define the depth of their connection.

6. How healthy are fried green tomatoes?

Fried green tomatoes, while tasty, are not particularly healthy because they are deep-fried, which adds a lot of fat and calories. The tomatoes themselves are low in calories and rich in vitamins and antioxidants, but frying them can negate some of those health benefits. To make them healthier, you can try baking or air-frying the tomatoes instead of deep-frying them. This would reduce the fat content and still keep the crispy texture.

Common Mistakes for the Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

1. Using tomatoes that are too ripe: Using tomatoes that are too soft or too ripe will result in soggy fried green tomatoes. Make sure to choose firm, unripe tomatoes.
2. Skipping the flour coating: Some people skip coating the tomatoes in flour before dipping them in egg and breadcrumbs. This can cause the breading to slide off during frying. The flour helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere better.
3. Not heating the oil enough: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the tomatoes will absorb too much oil, making them greasy. It’s important to fry them at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C).
4. Crowding the pan: When frying, it’s important not to overcrowd the pan. Doing so lowers the oil temperature and can lead to uneven frying. Fry in batches for the best results.
5. Not draining excess oil: After frying, be sure to drain the excess oil from the tomatoes by placing them on paper towels. This will prevent them from becoming too greasy.

Conclusion:

Fried green tomatoes are a delightful Southern dish with a unique flavor and texture. While they are not the healthiest choice due to being fried, they’re a delicious treat when enjoyed in moderation. The key to making perfect fried green tomatoes is choosing firm, unripe tomatoes, properly coating them in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and frying them at the right temperature. By avoiding common mistakes like overcrowding the pan and not draining excess oil, you can create a crispy and flavorful dish every time. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or part of a larger meal, fried green tomatoes are sure to be a hit!

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

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