Food Lovers Lane

Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern American dish cherished for their crispy, golden exterior and tangy, firm interior. Unlike ripe tomatoes, green tomatoes are unripe, which gives them a tart flavour and firmer texture that holds up well to frying.

The preparation involves slicing the tomatoes, coating them in a seasoned cornmeal or flour mixture, and pan-frying them until crisp and browned. They are typically served hot, sometimes accompanied by a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or remoulade. Fried green tomatoes are versatile and can be served with breakfast, lunch, or dinner, offering a delicious way to enjoy tomatoes at an earlier stage of ripeness.

Classic Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe (Serves 4)

Ingredients

4 large green tomatoes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional)
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk
Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Wash and slice the green tomatoes into ½-inch thick slices. Pat them dry with paper towels.

2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk together.

4. Dip each tomato slice first into the egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the cornmeal-flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat.

5. Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

6. Fry tomato slices in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

7. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with your Favorite dipping sauce.

Fried Green Tomatoes FAQs

Q: Can I bake fried green tomatoes instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q: What dipping sauces go well with fried green tomatoes?
Common choices include ranch dressing, remoulade sauce, spicy mayo, or a simple garlic aioli.

Q: How do I know if a tomato is good for frying?
Choose firm, unripe green tomatoes that are bright green with no soft spots.

Q: Can I use a different coating than cornmeal?
Yes, panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used for a different texture.