The Best Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe: Crispy Southern Delight

Crispy fried green tomatoes represent a beloved culinary treasure with roots deep in Southern cooking traditions.

These unripe tomatoes reinvent into a mouthwatering delicacy through a magical coating technique that guarantees maximum crunch.

Sliced thick and dressed in seasoned cornmeal, the tomatoes develop a remarkable golden exterior that promises sensational flavor.

Their tangy, slightly firm profile creates a remarkable contrast against the delightfully crisp breading.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this ingenious method of elevating simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Diners appreciate how such humble produce can become a show-stopping dish with minimal effort.

All the Good Stuff You Need for That Crunchy Bite

• Green Tomatoes: Firm, unripe tomatoes with a tangy flavor perfect for frying, best when slightly green and hard to the touch.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil with high smoke point ideal for deep frying and creating crispy golden exterior on tomatoes.
• Flour: Essential dry ingredient for initial coating that helps egg mixture and crumbs adhere to tomato slices.
• Eggs, Milk: Wet mixture that creates binding agent for breading, providing moisture and helping crumbs stick to tomatoes.
• Cornmeal, Bread Crumbs: Crunchy base for coating that adds texture and golden-brown crispy exterior to fried tomatoes.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of tomatoes and provide basic seasoning to the coating.

How to Fry Green Tomatoes That Stay Crisp and Tart

Step 1: Prepare Tomatoes

Slice green tomatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Trim off the ends to ensure even frying.

Step 2: Create Egg Wash

In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and milk until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Prepare Coating Stations

• Flour plate for first coating
• Egg mixture for dipping
• Crumb mixture with
• Cornmeal
• Bread crumbs
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 4: Coat Tomato Slices

• First coat thoroughly in flour
• Dip in egg mixture
• Press into crumb mixture for complete coverage

Step 5: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into large skillet, about 1/2 inch deep. Heat to 350°F.

Step 6: Fry Tomato Slices

Carefully place coated slices into hot oil. Avoid overcrowding.

• Fry 2-3 minutes per side
• Cook until golden brown

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried tomatoes onto paper towel-lined plate to absorb extra oil.

Serve hot and enjoy your crispy Southern-style treat!

Tips to Keep Those Fried Green Beauties Crispy

• Select Firm Tomatoes: Choose unripe, hard green tomatoes that won't fall apart during frying and provide the perfect crispy texture.
• Pat Tomatoes Dry: Thoroughly blot sliced tomatoes with paper towels to remove moisture, ensuring a crunchier and less soggy coating.
• Maintain Consistent Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep oil around 350°F, preventing burning and guaranteeing even golden-brown coloring.
• Create Thick Coating Layer: Press crumb mixture firmly onto tomato slices, creating a substantial breading that will stay crisp during frying.
• Don't Overcrowd Skillet: Fry tomato slices in small batches, allowing enough space between pieces for proper heat circulation and achieving maximum crispiness.

Store & Reheat Without Sacrificing That Southern Crunch

• Refrigeration: Store leftover fried green tomatoes in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture. Wrap each layer separately with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange tomato slices on a wire rack or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating. This method helps restore some of the original crunchiness while preventing sogginess.
• Crispy Tip: For best results, avoid microwaving which can make the coating soggy.

What to Serve With Tangy Tomatoes That Pop

• Craft a Zesty Aioli Dip: Whip up a creamy garlic aioli using mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce to complement the crispy, tangy green tomatoes.
• Pour a Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright acidity that cuts through the fried coating and enhances the tomatoes' natural tartness.
• Serve with Southern Slaw: Prepare a classic coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy vinegar-based dressing to balance the richness of the fried green tomatoes.
• Match with Smoky Barbecue Pulled Pork: Create a hearty plate by pairing the crispy tomatoes alongside tender pulled pork for a quintessential Southern-style meal that celebrates bold, complementary flavors.

Flavor Switch-Ups for a Fried Green Remix

• Southern Spice Crunch: Add cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to the cornmeal mixture for a bold, zesty kick that brings southern heat to every crispy bite.
• Herb-Infused Coating: Mix fresh chopped parsley, thyme, and rosemary into the bread crumb mixture to elevate the flavor profile with garden-fresh herbaceous notes.
• Parmesan Crisp Edition: Incorporate grated parmesan cheese into the dredging mix, creating a nutty, salty crust that provides extra crispiness and depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour and bread crumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko crumbs, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this classic southern treat.

Why These Tomatoes Are Crispy, Tangy, and Totally Addictive

• Crunch into Southern Comfort: These fried green tomatoes deliver a satisfying crispy exterior that cracks beautifully with each bite, offering a classic Southern-style texture that feels like home cooking.
• Transform Unripe Produce into Deliciousness: Green tomatoes, typically overlooked, become a star ingredient through this recipe, turning something usually considered unripe into a delectable dish that wastes no produce.
• Quick and Simple Cooking Adventure: With just 15-20 minutes of total preparation and cooking time, this recipe provides an easy culinary experience that's perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike, requiring minimal technical skills and basic kitchen equipment.
• Nutritious Indulgence with Balanced Profile: Packed with a moderate protein content and providing essential nutrients, these fried green tomatoes offer a delightful balance between a comfort food treat and a somewhat nutritious meal option that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Best Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines through these crispy, golden-crusted green tomatoes, a classic dish that whispers tales of summer gardens and family gatherings. Cornmeal-dusted slices offer a perfect balance of tangy fruit and crunchy exterior, inviting you to savor a true taste of homestyle Southern cooking.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large green tomatoes
• 2 eggs
• 120 milliliters (4 fluid ounces) milk
• 125 grams (4.4 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 60 grams (2.1 ounces) cornmeal
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) bread crumbs

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 10 milliliters (2 teaspoons) coarse kosher salt
• 1 pinch (¼ teaspoon) ground black pepper

Cooking Ingredient:

• 1 liter (33.8 fluid ounces) vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Slice green tomatoes into 1/2-inch (1.27 centimeters) thick rounds, discarding the thin end pieces to ensure uniform frying.
2. Whisk eggs and milk together in a medium mixing bowl until the liquid becomes smooth and fully incorporated.
3. Spread flour on a flat plate, creating an even coating surface for the initial dredging process.
4. Prepare the crispy exterior coating by combining cornmeal, bread crumbs, salt, and ground black pepper in a separate shallow dish, ensuring all dry ingredients are well mixed.
5. Dredge each tomato slice first in the flour, shaking off any excess powder to create a light, even layer.
6. Submerge the floured tomato slice into the egg and milk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip back into the bowl.
7. Carefully press the moistened slice into the cornmeal and bread crumb mixture, ensuring complete and consistent coverage on all surfaces.
8. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to approximately 350°F (175°C), maintaining a depth of about 1/2 inch (1.27 centimeters).
9. Gently place coated tomato slices into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding to maintain proper cooking temperature.
10. Fry each slice for 2-3 minutes per side, rotating when the bottom achieves a rich golden-brown color.
11. Remove fried tomato slices and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.

Notes

• Green tomatoes require firm, slightly underripe produce to achieve the perfect crispy texture for frying.
• Selecting tomatoes with minimal soft spots ensures a consistent and delightful crunch in every bite.
• Creating a seasoned coating involves mixing cornmeal and breadcrumbs for maximum flavor and crispy exterior.
• Dredging technique matters: coat each slice thoroughly in flour, egg wash, and seasoned crumb mixture for optimal results.
• Oil temperature around 350°F guarantees golden-brown perfection without soggy or greasy tomato slices.
• Paper towel drainage helps remove excess oil, maintaining the crispy texture and preventing sogginess after frying.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 373 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 613 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 109 mg