Fried Green Tomatoes are a true Southern classic, with a perfect balance of crispy coating and tender, savory insides. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: These tomatoes are coated in a seasoned blend of flour, cornmeal, and bread crumbs, making them deliciously crunchy on the outside.
- Savory and Tangy: The tartness of green tomatoes paired with the seasoned coating creates an irresistible flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples, so you won’t need anything fancy to whip up this treat.
Ingredients:
- 4 large green tomatoes
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
How to Make Perfect Fried Green Tomatoes
Step 1: Slice the Tomatoes
- Begin by slicing the green tomatoes into 1/2 inch thick slices. Discard the ends.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
- Whisk together the eggs and milk in a medium-sized bowl.
- Scoop the flour onto a separate plate.
- On another plate, mix the cornmeal, bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper to create the final coating.
Step 3: Bread the Tomatoes
- Dip each tomato slice first into the flour to lightly coat.
- Then, dip the tomato into the milk and egg mixture, ensuring it is fully submerged.
- Finally, dredge the tomato slice in the cornmeal and bread crumb mixture, pressing slightly to make sure it’s fully coated.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil so that there is about 1/2 inch of oil in the pan. Heat the oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
Step 5: Fry the Tomatoes
- Carefully place the breaded tomato slices into the hot oil in batches of 4 or 5, depending on the size of your skillet. Be sure not to crowd the pan, as the tomatoes should not touch each other.
- Fry each tomato slice for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once browned, flip the tomatoes and fry the other side. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Fried Green Tomatoes hot as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for the Best Fried Green Tomatoes
- Choose firm green tomatoes to ensure they hold up well during frying and don’t become mushy.
- Don’t crowd the pan! This helps the tomatoes fry evenly and get crispy.
- For extra crunch, consider double breading your tomatoes by dipping them into the egg mixture and crumb mixture twice.
Variations and Pairings
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bread crumb mixture for a bit of heat.
- Buttermilk Soak: Soak the tomato slices in buttermilk for 30 minutes before dredging for an extra tangy flavor.
- Dipping Sauce Ideas: Serve with ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or a tangy remoulade sauce.
Try These Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes Today!
There’s no better way to enjoy the tangy goodness of green tomatoes than by frying them up Southern style. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Fried Green Tomatoes are sure to become a family favorite. Grab some green tomatoes and start frying up this classic comfort food today!