Fried Green Tomatoes are more than just a Southern staple—they're a crunchy, tangy, downright addictive snack or side dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’ve got a pile of unripe tomatoes or you’re just craving something with a little Southern charm, this dish always delivers.
Not only are they a hit at family dinners and BBQs, but they’re also a clever way to use up tomatoes before they ripen. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a golden, crispy treat that even picky eaters will devour.
What Are Fried Green Tomatoes?
Fried Green Tomatoes are unripe (green) tomatoes sliced, coated in a seasoned cornmeal or flour-based breading, and then pan-fried or deep-fried until crispy. The result? A crunchy outside, juicy inside, and a little tang that sets them apart from your average fried veggie.
They're often served with dipping sauces like ranch, remoulade, or spicy mayo—perfect for parties, sides, or snacking straight from the skillet.
Why People Love Fried Green Tomatoes
-
Crispy and tangy combo that hits all the right flavor notes
-
Zero food waste: Great way to use unripe tomatoes
-
Naturally vegetarian and easy to make gluten-free
-
Perfect for dipping, stacking, or snacking
Ingredients for Fried Green Tomatoes
You don’t need anything fancy—just some fresh green tomatoes and a few basic ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
-
3–4 firm green tomatoes
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
1 cup cornmeal (or breadcrumbs)
-
½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
-
1–2 eggs, beaten
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
½ tsp paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
-
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes
Step 1: Slice the Tomatoes
Cut your green tomatoes into ½-inch slices. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
-
Bowl 1: Flour + a pinch of salt and pepper
-
Bowl 2: Beaten eggs + buttermilk
-
Bowl 3: Cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
Step 3: Dredge and Coat
Dip each tomato slice in flour, then egg mixture, then cornmeal mix. Make sure it’s well coated for that perfect crunch.
Step 4: Fry ‘Em Up
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the tomato slices for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Dipping Sauce Ideas for Fried Green Tomatoes
Level up your plate with one of these tasty sauces:
-
Classic Buttermilk Ranch
-
Spicy Sriracha Mayo
-
Creamy Remoulade
-
Garlic Aioli
-
Honey Mustard
How to Make Them Healthier
Trying to keep it light? Try these swaps:
-
Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes: Spray with olive oil and cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
-
Bake Instead of Frying: Use a wire rack on a baking sheet, bake at 425°F until crispy.
-
Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Tips for the Crispiest Fried Green Tomatoes
-
Use firm, bright green tomatoes—not yellow or mushy ones.
-
Double dredge for extra crunch if desired.
-
Fry in small batches to avoid soggy tomatoes.
-
Let them rest on a cooling rack (not paper towels) to stay crispy.
Are Fried Green Tomatoes Healthy or Just Tasty?
They’re definitely a treat, but not all indulgence is bad. Here's the approximate nutrition per slice (fried):
-
Calories: ~80–100
-
Fat: ~5–7g
-
Carbs: ~8–10g
-
Protein: ~1–2g
You can lighten them up using the baking or air frying method mentioned above while still keeping the flavor.
Best Way to Serve Fried Green Tomatoes
These babies are versatile! Here are some serving ideas:
-
Stacked with bacon and pimento cheese on a biscuit
-
As a burger topper for a Southern twist
-
In a BLT instead of red tomato slices
-
On a salad as crispy "croutons"
-
Just with dip, solo-style (and honestly, they don't need anything else!)
Final Thoughts: Fried Green Tomatoes Are Southern Gold
Whether you grew up with them or you’re just discovering the magic of these crispy green beauties, Fried Green Tomatoes are one of those dishes that everyone falls in love with. Easy, comforting, and totally crave-worthy—once you try them, they’ll become a permanent part of your recipe rotation.
Comments
Post a Comment