Crispy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe: A Summer Classic

Southern green tomatoes sizzle with rustic charm in this classic Southern delight.

Unripe fruit gets a crispy makeover through a simple yet magical coating.

Cornmeal creates a golden crunch that makes every bite irresistible.

Tangy slices transform into a crisp delicacy when dredged and fried to perfection.

Generations of cooks have passed down this beloved technique that turns humble ingredients into something spectacular.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this dish as a testament to culinary creativity.

Prepare to savor a plate of pure comfort that connects you with deep-rooted Southern tradition.

What Makes Southern Fried Green Tomatoes a Must-Try

• Quick Southern Delight: Whip up this classic Southern dish with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks looking to impress.
• No-Fuss Crispy Treat: Achieve restaurant-quality fried green tomatoes with simple ingredients and straightforward coating technique.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Enjoy a versatile side dish that appeals to both kids and adults, bringing a taste of Southern hospitality to any meal.
• Seasonal Cooking Triumph: Transform unripe green tomatoes into a crispy, flavorful dish that celebrates fresh produce and reduces food waste.

Ingredients for Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

• Green Tomatoes: Firm, unripe tomatoes that provide a tangy and slightly tart base for this classic Southern dish.
• Peanut Oil: A high-heat oil that creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior for the fried tomatoes.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornmeal: A mixture that creates a crunchy, textured breading with a traditional Southern flavor profile.
• Creole Seasoning: A spicy blend that adds depth and signature Southern kick to the coating.

• Eggs, Buttermilk, Hot Sauce: A wet mixture that helps the coating adhere to the tomato slices and adds richness and a subtle spicy undertone.

• Flaky Salt: A final seasoning that enhances the overall flavor of the crispy fried green tomatoes.

How to Prepare Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

Step 1: Slice Tomatoes

Grab your green tomatoes and cut them into even, quarter-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.

Make sure the slices are uniform for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Yellow cornmeal
• Creole seasoning blend

Step 3: Prepare Dipping Liquid

• Fresh eggs
• Buttermilk
• Louisiana-style hot sauce

Step 4: Coat Tomato Slices

• First, coat completely in flour mixture
• Dip into egg mixture
• Return to flour mixture for final coating

Step 5: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour peanut oil into a cast-iron skillet, heating over medium-high temperature until oil starts to shimmer and look slightly rippled.

Step 6: Fry Tomato Slices

Carefully place coated tomato rounds into hot oil, cooking in small batches.

Fry until each side turns a gorgeous golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried tomato slices onto paper towel-lined plate to absorb extra oil and maintain crispiness.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and serve immediately while hot and crunchy.

Tips for Perfect Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

• Cut green tomatoes uniformly at 1/2-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness.
• Double-dredge tomato slices in flour and egg mixture for extra crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
• Maintain medium-high heat around 350°F to prevent soggy tomatoes and achieve perfect golden-brown crust without burning.
• Let fried tomatoes rest on paper towels to absorb extra oil, keeping the crispy texture intact and reducing greasiness.
• Enjoy Southern fried green tomatoes fresh and hot for maximum crunchiness and optimal flavor experience.

Variations on Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal mix for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, maintaining the crispy texture and Southern charm.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with aquafaba or flax egg, use plant-based buttermilk alternative, and swap peanut oil with avocado oil for a dairy-free, egg-free experience.
• Baked Lighter Option: Skip deep-frying and instead spray tomato slices with olive oil cooking spray, then bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning once for even crispiness.
• Low-Carb Keto Alternative: Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of cornmeal, and add extra herbs like dried thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor profile.

Serving Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

• Southern Comfort Companions: Serve these crispy green tomato slices alongside grilled chicken or pulled pork for a classic Southern meal.
• Brunch Buddy Delight: Pair with scrambled eggs, bacon, and a dollop of remoulade sauce for a hearty weekend breakfast that'll make taste buds dance.
• Dipping Sensation: Create a zesty ranch or spicy comeback sauce for dunking, adding an extra layer of flavor that complements the tangy tomato crunch.
• Party Appetizer Magic: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for an irresistible finger food that'll be the star of any gathering or game day spread.

How to Store Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

• Store leftover fried green tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel between layers to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange tomatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through, flipping halfway to ensure even warming.
• Reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket midway to restore original crispiness. This method helps maintain the original crunchy texture better than other reheating techniques.

FAQs

• What are green tomatoes?

Green tomatoes are unripe tomatoes picked before they turn red. They have a firmer texture and tangy, slightly sour flavor that makes them perfect for frying.

• How do I choose the best green tomatoes for this recipe?

Select firm, bright green tomatoes without soft spots or blemishes. They should feel heavy for their size and have a crisp, smooth surface.

• Can I make this recipe without Creole seasoning?

Yes, you can substitute with a blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to achieve a similar flavor profile.

• Why use buttermilk in the coating?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the tomatoes and creates a tangy, rich coating that adds depth to the crispy exterior. Its acidity also helps the breading stick better to the tomato slices.

Southern Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Crisp Southern fried green tomatoes bring classic comfort to summer’s garden bounty. Cornmeal-crusted slices sizzle with tangy flavor, offering a delightful Southern tradition you’ll savor down to the last golden bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium green tomatoes, sliced 1/2-inch thick
• 1 cup self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole buttermilk

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon Creole Cajun seasoning
• Hot sauce, to taste
• Flaky salt (optional)

Cooking Oil:

• Peanut oil (or any high smoke-point oil) for frying

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Instructions

1. Carefully cut green tomatoes into uniform 1/2-inch thick circular slices, maintaining consistent thickness for even cooking.
2. Create a seasoned coating by thoroughly mixing flour, cornmeal, and Creole seasoning in a wide, shallow dish, ensuring spices are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare a complementary wet dredging mixture by whisking eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Develop a crispy coating technique by dipping each tomato slice first into the flour mixture, then completely submerge in the egg mixture, and finally return to the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure full, even coverage.
5. Heat peanut oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F, watching for a shimmering surface that indicates optimal frying temperature.
6. Carefully place coated tomato slices into hot oil, cooking in small batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain consistent golden-brown coloration, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Transfer fried tomatoes onto a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and preserve crispiness.
8. Enhance flavor by sprinkling flaky sea salt over the tomatoes and serve immediately while hot and crisp.

Notes

• Choose firm, unripe green tomatoes that are still hard and have a bright green color for the best texture and crunch.
• Pat tomato slices completely dry before coating to help breading adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Allow oil to reach the right temperature (around 350°F) before frying to prevent soggy tomatoes and ensure even golden-brown coloring.
• Adapt for gluten-free diets by replacing wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free cornmeal blend for equally crispy results.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg