Crispy Southern Comfort: The Zesty Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when fried green tomatoes hit the skillet, releasing an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

Crisp, tangy, and golden-brown, these Southern classics deliver a delightful crunch that speaks to comfort and tradition.

Unripe tomatoes slice into perfect rounds, ready to be coated in a seasoned cornmeal breading that promises pure satisfaction.

The magic happens when each slice sizzles in hot oil, transforming into a crispy delicacy that captures the essence of Southern cooking.

Layers of cornmeal create a perfectly crunchy exterior that gives way to a tender, slightly tart interior.

Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that celebrates fresh produce and culinary simplicity.

Summer’s bounty never tasted so good, so roll up your sleeves and prepare for a mouthwatering adventure.

Fried Green Tomatoes: Southern Charm On A Plate

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these crispy green tomatoes with just three simple coating stations, making the breading process smooth and straightforward.
• Versatile Southern Delight: Perfect for using unripe tomatoes from your garden, transforming them into a crunchy, flavorful side dish or appetizer that surprises and delights.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Delivers a satisfying crunch with a golden-brown exterior and tender interior that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed hit at family gatherings or potlucks.
• Simple Pantry Ingredients: Requires basic kitchen staples like flour, eggs, cornmeal, and breadcrumbs, ensuring you can create this delicious dish without a special trip to the grocery store.

Southern Tomato Must-Haves

• Flour: A key dry ingredient for the initial coating that helps other layers stick.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Seasonings that add depth and flavor to the flour mixture.

• Eggs, Milk: Liquid mixture that helps the breading adhere to the tomato slices.

• Cornmeal, Breadcrumbs: Crunchy coating that creates a crispy exterior when fried.

• Vegetable Oil: The medium for frying that gives the tomatoes a golden brown color and crisp texture.

• Green Tomatoes: Firm, unripe tomatoes that provide a tangy base for this classic Southern dish.

• Dipping Sauce: A complementary condiment to enhance the flavor of the fried tomatoes.

Fried Tomatoes, Golden & Crispy – Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Flour Blend

Create a tantalizing flour mixture by combining flour with a symphony of spices.

Grab your salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, mixing them thoroughly to ensure every slice gets maximum flavor.

Step 2: Whip Up Egg Wash

Crack fresh eggs into a bowl and pour in milk.

Whisk the ingredients until they become a smooth, creamy liquid that will help the coating stick perfectly to each tomato slice.

Step 3: Create Crispy Coating Mixture

In a separate dish, combine cornmeal and breadcrumbs.

This magical mixture will transform your green tomatoes into a crunchy, golden delight that’ll make mouths water.

Step 4: Coat Tomato Slices

• Dredge each tomato slice in the seasoned flour
• Dip the floured slice into the egg wash
• Roll the slice in the cornmeal-breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage

Step 5: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, creating about 1/2 inch of golden frying goodness.

Heat the oil over medium temperature until it’s ready to transform your tomatoes.

Step 6: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Carefully place tomato slices into the hot oil.

Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and irresistible crispiness.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

Transfer the fried tomatoes to paper towels to remove excess oil.

Plate these crispy delights while they’re warm and pair with your favorite dipping sauce for an incredible Southern-style treat.

Tomato Frying: Tips For Crunch

• Choose unripe, hard green tomatoes that hold their shape during frying and provide the perfect crispy texture.
• Place fried tomato slices on paper towels immediately after cooking to absorb extra grease and maintain a crunchy coating.
• Keep oil around 350°F to ensure even browning and prevent soggy or burned breading on tomato slices.
• Add extra spices like cayenne or smoked paprika to the flour mixture for a bolder, more complex flavor profile.
• Opt for homemade or fresh breadcrumbs instead of packaged ones to achieve a lighter, crispier coating on the tomatoes.

Fried Green Tomatoes: New Ideas To Try

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the flour mixture for a zesty kick and extra heat.
• Herb-Infused Coating: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the cornmeal-breadcrumb mixture for an aromatic upgrade.
• Vegan Crispy Option: Substitute eggs with plant-based milk and ground flaxseed mixture, using vegan breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast for added flavor.

Serve Up That Southern Favorite

• Southern Comfort Plating: Arrange golden-brown fried green tomatoes on a rustic wooden board with a small cast-iron skillet of zesty remoulade sauce for a charming Southern-style presentation.
• Brunch Companion: Serve alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and buttermilk biscuits to create a hearty weekend breakfast that celebrates classic Southern cuisine.
• Dipping Delight: Pair with homemade ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or tangy comeback sauce to elevate the crispy tomatoes with exciting flavor profiles that complement their crunchy exterior.
• Salad Topper: Slice fried green tomatoes and place atop mixed greens with crumbled goat cheese and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and textural salad experience.

Fried Tomato Leftovers – Stay Crispy

• Place leftover fried green tomatoes in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Wrap individual tomato slices in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange tomatoes on a baking sheet, bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.
• Heat air fryer to 370°F, cook reheated tomatoes for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway to ensure even crispiness and restore original crunch.

FAQs

• What makes fried green tomatoes crispy?

The triple-dredging method creates a crispy coating by using flour, egg wash, and cornmeal-breadcrumb mixture, which helps the breading stick to the tomato and creates a crunchy exterior when fried.

• Can I use unripe red tomatoes instead of green tomatoes?

Green tomatoes are preferred because they’re firmer and less juicy, which helps maintain the crisp coating during frying. Unripe red tomatoes might be too soft and could make the breading soggy.

• How do I know when the oil is the right temperature for frying?

The oil should be around 350-375°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of breading into the oil – it should sizzle immediately and turn golden brown within 2-3 minutes.

Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern charm meets culinary delight in these crispy Fried Green Tomatoes, a classic dish that embodies rustic comfort. Perfectly seasoned cornmeal coating delivers a golden crunch, inviting you to savor a taste of traditional Southern hospitality.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium green tomatoes
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped pickles
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a trio of seasoning stations: first, blend flour with a medley of savory spices including salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Create an egg wash by whisking eggs and milk together in a separate shallow vessel.
3. Craft a crispy coating blend by combining cornmeal and breadcrumbs in a third dish.
4. Transform each tomato slice into a crispy delight by first dusting with the seasoned flour, then dipping into the egg mixture, and finally enrobing in the cornmeal-breadcrumb mixture.
5. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet to medium heat, creating a pool approximately ½ inch deep.
6. Carefully lower tomato slices into the hot oil, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until they achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
7. Transfer the fried tomatoes to paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain, then serve immediately while piping hot alongside a complementary dipping sauce.

Notes

• Select firm, green tomatoes that are slightly underripe to maintain structural integrity during frying, preventing mushiness.
• Create a crispy coating by ensuring each tomato slice is thoroughly coated in the three-step dredging process, pressing the cornmeal mixture gently to help it adhere.
• Control oil temperature around 350°F to achieve a perfectly golden, crunchy exterior without burning or making the tomatoes greasy.
• Try gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining a similar crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 271 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 355 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg