The Crispiest Southern Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe You’ll Love

Southern charm meets culinary magic in this delightful fried green tomatoes recipe that captures the essence of comfort cooking.

Ripe, unripe tomatoes create a crispy masterpiece bursting with southern flavor.

Crunchy cornmeal coating delivers an irresistible texture that makes every bite memorable.

Local farmers markets often showcase the perfect green tomatoes for this classic dish.

Crisp seasonings and a golden-brown exterior promise a mouthwatering experience that transports you straight to a cozy southern kitchen.

Grab your skillet and prepare to impress everyone at the table with this irresistible southern delicacy.

Crispy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes You’ll Love

• Savor Southern Comfort: Experience a classic Southern dish that brings the warmth of home-style cooking right to your kitchen, packed with crispy, tangy flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Master Quick Cooking: This recipe offers a simple, straightforward process that even novice cooks can tackle with confidence, requiring minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients.
• Enjoy Versatile Delight: Perfect for summer gatherings, weekend brunches, or as a crispy side dish that complements various main courses, these fried green tomatoes are a crowd-pleasing treat that suits multiple occasions.
• Customize Your Spice: Play with the seasoning by adjusting cayenne pepper levels, making this recipe adaptable to different heat preferences and ensuring everyone can enjoy their perfect version of this Southern classic.

Ingredients List for Fried Green Tomatoes

• Green Tomatoes: Firm, unripe tomatoes that provide a tangy and slightly tart base for this classic Southern dish.
• Cornmeal: A coarse ground corn product that creates a crispy, golden-brown crust for the fried tomatoes.
• Flour: All-purpose flour that helps the coating adhere to the tomato slices.

• Buttermilk, Egg: A creamy mixture that helps the cornmeal coating stick to the tomato slices and adds richness to the recipe.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Spices that enhance the flavor profile and add a subtle kick to the fried green tomatoes.
• Vegetable Oil: A neutral cooking oil used for frying the tomato slices to crispy perfection.

Stepwise Guide to Perfect Frying

Step 1: Slice Green Tomatoes

Wash the green tomatoes and use a sharp knife to cut them into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds.

Make sure the slices are even to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 2: Prepare Seasoned Flour Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional for extra kick)

Mix the ingredients thoroughly in a shallow dish.

Step 3: Create Dipping Stations

• First bowl: Seasoned flour mixture
• Second bowl: Beaten eggs mixed with buttermilk
• Third bowl: Cornmeal

Arrange the bowls in order for easy dredging.

Step 4: Coat Tomato Slices

• First, coat completely in seasoned flour
• Next, dunk in buttermilk and egg mixture
• Finally, roll in cornmeal until fully covered

Shake off excess coating between each step.

Step 5: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, filling about 1/4 inch deep.

Heat over medium-high until the oil shimmers and looks slightly wavy.

Step 6: Fry Tomato Slices

Carefully place coated tomato slices into hot oil.

Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

Remove fried tomatoes using a slotted spatula.

Place on paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips for Golden and Crispy Fried Tomatoes

• Choose firm, green tomatoes without any soft spots or blemishes for the best crispy texture and tangy flavor.
• Keep oil around 350°F to ensure even browning and prevent greasy, soggy tomatoes during frying.
• Press cornmeal coating gently onto tomato slices to help breading adhere and develop a crunchy exterior.
• Let fried tomatoes rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain their delightful crispness.
• Enjoy Southern fried green tomatoes right after cooking to experience their optimal temperature and texture.

Variations to Add Unique Flavors

• Gluten-Free Green Tomatoes: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or almond flour, use gluten-free cornmeal to create a crispy coating suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Herb-Infused Version: Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the cornmeal mixture for an extra layer of aromatic flavor and depth.
• Baked Southern Tomatoes: For a healthier alternative, spray tomato slices with cooking oil and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once, to achieve a similar crispy texture with less oil.
• Vegan Southern Style: Substitute egg and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives like unsweetened almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar and use a flax egg replacement.

Serving Ideas for Fried Green Tomatoes

• Dipping Delights: Serve with a tangy remoulade or homemade ranch dressing for extra flavor burst.
• Southern Brunch Companion: Pair with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and buttery biscuits for a hearty southern breakfast experience.
• Appetizer Elegance: Arrange on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs and lemon wedges as a stunning party starter that will impress guests.
• Salad Topper Trick: Crumble cooled fried green tomatoes over a crisp mixed green salad for added crunch and southern charm.

Storage Tips for Leftover Fried Tomatoes

• Store leftover fried green tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Restore crispiness by baking on a wire rack at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Revive the crispy texture by air frying at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket midway to distribute heat evenly.
• Quickly recrisp in a hot skillet with minimal oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.

FAQs

• Why use green tomatoes instead of ripe ones?

Green tomatoes are firmer and have a tangy, slightly tart flavor that holds up perfectly during frying, creating a crispy exterior with a unique taste that ripe tomatoes can’t achieve.

• Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use cornmeal or gluten-free breadcrumbs for coating. The key is maintaining the same seasoning and coating technique.

• What's the secret to getting the crispiest coating?

Pat the tomato slices dry before dredging, ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F), and don’t overcrowd the skillet. This helps create a crisp, golden-brown crust that doesn’t get soggy.

Southern Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Crispy Southern fried green tomatoes offer a tantalizing glimpse into classic Southern cuisine. Cornmeal-crusted slices create a crunchy exterior that beckons you to savor each delectable bite of this iconic Southern dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium green tomatoes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 12 cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 large egg

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 12 teaspoon black pepper
• 14 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Cooking Ingredient:

• Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Carefully cut unripe green tomatoes into uniform quarter-inch circular slices, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking.
2. Create a robust seasoning blend by combining flour with aromatic salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional fiery cayenne for a subtle kick.
3. Arrange three separate shallow dishes: first with seasoned flour mixture, second with whisked egg and tangy buttermilk, and third with grainy cornmeal for coating.
4. Meticulously coat each tomato slice by first dusting with seasoned flour, then fully submerging in buttermilk mixture, and finally rolling in cornmeal until completely covered.
5. Warm vegetable oil in a heavy cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
6. Carefully place breaded tomato rounds into hot oil, allowing them to transform into crispy golden-brown delicacies, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until exterior becomes crunchy and deep amber.
7. Transfer fried tomatoes onto absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess oil, then serve immediately while maintaining maximum crispness and temperature.

Notes

• Pick firm, unripe green tomatoes for the best texture and crunch when frying.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F to prevent soggy or burnt tomatoes.
• Add extra spices like paprika or garlic powder to the cornmeal coating for more complex flavor profiles.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives by substituting regular flour with almond or rice flour for those with dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg