Fried Green Tomatoes are a classic dish that brings the taste of summer right to your kitchen. This Southern favorite features unripe tomatoes, which are sliced, breaded, and fried to crispy perfection. They make for a delicious appetizer or a side dish that everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Fried Green Tomatoes is not only easy, but it also allows you to enjoy the unique flavor of green tomatoes. They are slightly tart and have a firm texture, making them perfect for frying. This dish is fun to make and can be served at gatherings, family dinners, or as a tasty snack. Plus, it’s a great way to use fresh tomatoes from your garden or the local farmer’s market!
How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes
Ingredients:
- Oil for frying
- 4 firm green tomatoes
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup cornmeal
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Directions:
- In a medium-size saucepan, add oil for frying until it is about ½-inch up the sides of the pan. Heat to medium-high heat.
- Slice the 4 green tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices.
- In a small bowl, add 2 eggs and whisk them together. Then, add in ¼ cup milk.
- In another small bowl, mix together 1 cup flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- In a separate small bowl, combine ½ cup cornmeal, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons grated parmesan, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning.
- Dredge each tomato slice first in the flour, then coat it in the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the cornmeal mix.
- Carefully add the breaded tomato slices to the pan of hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the fried tomatoes with a slotted spoon and let them cool on a paper towel.
How to Serve Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried Green Tomatoes can be served warm or at room temperature. They are great on their own or with a dipping sauce, like ranch or a spicy remoulade. You can also use them as a topping for sandwiches or salads to add a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor.
How to Store Fried Green Tomatoes
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 2 days. To reheat, you can place them in an oven or an air fryer to regain some of their crispiness.
Tips to Make Fried Green Tomatoes
- Use firm green tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the tomatoes to avoid sogginess.
- Don’t crowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary to keep the tomatoes crispy.
- Experiment with spices in the cornmeal mix to personalize the flavor to your liking.
Variation
You can try adding different herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a unique twist. Some people enjoy adding cayenne pepper for heat or fresh herbs like basil or oregano for added aroma.
FAQs
1. Can I use ripe tomatoes instead of green tomatoes?
While you can use ripe tomatoes, they will be softer and sweeter. Fried Green Tomatoes work best with unripe, firm tomatoes.
2. What can I serve with Fried Green Tomatoes?
They pair well with fried chicken, sandwiches, or can be served as a snack with dips.
3. Can I bake Fried Green Tomatoes instead of frying them?
Yes! For a healthier option, you can bake them. Brush the tomatoes with a little oil and bake them at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Ingredients
For frying
- Oil for frying Oil for frying Heat oil to about ½-inch deep in the pan.
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces firm green tomatoes Slice into ¼-inch thick slices.
- 2 pieces eggs Whisk together with milk.
- ¼ cup milk Use whole milk for best results.
- 1 cup flour For dredging the tomatoes.
- ½ teaspoon salt To season the flour.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper For seasoning.
- ½ cup cornmeal For the final coating.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs For added crunch.
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan Adds a cheesy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning For extra flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium-size saucepan, add oil for frying until it is about ½-inch up the sides of the pan. Heat to medium-high heat.
- Slice the 4 green tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices.
- In a small bowl, add 2 eggs and whisk them together. Then, add in ¼ cup milk.
- In another small bowl, mix together 1 cup flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- In a separate small bowl, combine ½ cup cornmeal, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons grated parmesan, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning.
Cooking
- Dredge each tomato slice first in the flour, then coat it in the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the cornmeal mix.
- Carefully add the breaded tomato slices to the pan of hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the fried tomatoes with a slotted spoon and let them cool on a paper towel.
