Description
Southern comfort meets culinary creativity in this crispy fried green cherry tomatoes dish from Alabama kitchens. Crunchy cornmeal coating and tangy green tomatoes create a perfect Southern-style appetizer you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 2 cups green cherry tomatoes
Dry Coating Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Wet Ingredients and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Ingredient:
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse green cherry tomatoes under cool water, then meticulously pat dry with paper towels to ensure crisp coating adhesion.
- Arrange three separate preparation stations: first bowl containing seasoned flour with salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne; second bowl featuring whisked egg blended with tangy buttermilk; third bowl combining cornmeal and crunchy panko breadcrumbs.
- Methodically coat each tomato: first roll in seasoned flour, ensuring complete coverage, then immerse in egg-buttermilk mixture, finally encrust with cornmeal-panko blend, pressing gently to secure crispy exterior.
- Select a heavy-bottomed skillet and pour vegetable oil, heating to 350°F over medium-high flame until oil shimmers and appears glossy.
- Carefully lower breaded tomatoes into hot oil, working in small batches to maintain optimal temperature, frying until exterior transforms into a rich golden-brown with delectable crispy texture, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Extract tomatoes using slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on layered paper towels, which will absorb additional grease and preserve crispiness.
- Present immediately while piping hot, serving as an enticing appetizer or delightful southern-style snack accompanied by optional dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure tomatoes are completely dry before coating to prevent excess moisture that can make breading soggy.
- Use firm, unripe green cherry tomatoes for the best texture and structure during frying.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on desired spice level, starting with a small pinch for mild heat.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend and using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg