Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fried green tomatoes are irresistibly crispy and full of flavor. The tangy, slightly tart taste of the green tomatoes pairs wonderfully with the crunchy coating made of flour, cornmeal, and breadcrumbs. The light, crispy texture and savory seasonings are sure to satisfy your cravings for something crispy and flavorful. This simple yet satisfying dish can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even as a side dish to your main meals, making it a versatile favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 large green tomatoes
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Start by slicing the green tomatoes into ½-inch thick rounds.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk to create an egg wash.
- In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper to create the breading mixture.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1 inch deep.
- Dip each slice of tomato into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it in the breading mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coat.
- Carefully place the breaded tomato slices into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Fry the tomatoes for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the tomatoes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot, and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Fried Green Tomatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the egg wash for a little extra heat.
- Cheesy Variation: Mix some grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese into the breading mixture for a cheesy twist.
- Herb-Infused: Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil to the breading mixture for additional flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs blend to make this recipe gluten-free while still maintaining that crispy texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Fried green tomatoes are best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the tomatoes on a baking sheet and heat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use ripe tomatoes for this recipe?
Fried green tomatoes are traditionally made with unripe green tomatoes. Using ripe tomatoes will make them too soft and watery for frying.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
To test the oil, drop a small piece of breading into the oil. If it sizzles immediately and starts to brown, the oil is ready for frying.
Can I bake these tomatoes instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the tomatoes. Arrange them on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Can I make these in advance?
Fried green tomatoes are best eaten fresh, but you can prep the tomatoes by breading them ahead of time. Store the breaded slices in the fridge and fry them when ready to serve.
What should I serve with fried green tomatoes?
Fried green tomatoes are delicious on their own, but they pair well with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or a tangy remoulade.
Can I freeze fried green tomatoes?
While it’s not ideal to freeze fried green tomatoes due to their crispy texture, you can freeze the breaded, un-fried slices. Fry them directly from the freezer when you’re ready to cook them.
How do I get a perfect crispy crust?
Make sure the oil is hot enough, and coat the tomatoes evenly with the breading mixture. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the tomatoes can fry evenly on all sides.
Can I use a deep fryer instead of a skillet?
Yes, you can use a deep fryer to fry the tomatoes. Heat the oil to 375°F and fry in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
How do I avoid the tomatoes getting too soggy?
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying, and be careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Also, drain the fried tomatoes on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Can I make fried green tomatoes without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with buttermilk or a plant-based milk if you’re avoiding eggs. Just make sure the coating sticks well to the tomato slices.
Conclusion
Fried green tomatoes are a crispy, savory treat that’s full of Southern charm. This recipe provides the perfect balance of tangy green tomatoes, crispy breading, and just the right amount of seasoning. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, these fried green tomatoes are sure to impress and satisfy. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this classic Southern dish at home!
Print
Best Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are a crispy, savory Southern classic made with tangy, firm green tomatoes and a crunchy, flavorful coating of flour, cornmeal, and breadcrumbs.
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
4 large green tomatoes
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornmeal
½ cup bread crumbs
2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 quart vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Start by slicing the green tomatoes into ½-inch thick rounds.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk to create an egg wash.
- In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper to create the breading mixture.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1 inch deep.
- Dip each slice of tomato into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it in the breading mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coat.
- Carefully place the breaded tomato slices into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Fry the tomatoes for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the tomatoes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot, and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the egg wash.
You can add grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese to the breading mixture for a cheesy twist.
For an herb-infused variation, add dried oregano, thyme, or basil to the breading mix.
To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour and breadcrumb blend.
Fried green tomatoes are best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place tomatoes on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg