Southern Fried Green Tomatoes are crispy, tangy, and oh-so-delicious! Made with firm green tomatoes, buttermilk, and a crunchy cornmeal coating, they are a true comfort food.
These beauties are perfect as a snack or side. I love to dip them in ranch dressing—so tasty! Plus, they’re easy to whip up, making them a favorite for any gathering. You can’t go wrong with these! 🍅✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Tomatoes: Choose firm, unripe tomatoes for that perfect crunch. If you can’t find green tomatoes, you might try using slightly underripe regular tomatoes as a substitute, but the flavor will be different.
Buttermilk: This gives the tomatoes a tangy flavor and helps the coating stick. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of regular milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Cornmeal: It adds an irresistible crunch to the coating. If you want a little twist, try using a mix of cornmeal and panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness!
Seasonings: The added paprika and garlic powder are optional, but I recommend them for extra flavor. You can sprinkle in some cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunch When Frying?
Getting that golden, crispy crust is crucial to making Fried Green Tomatoes. Here are some tips to ensure they come out perfectly:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before adding the tomatoes. A hot skillet ensures they fry quickly and evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary. This helps maintain the oil temperature and gives each slice enough space to crisp up.
- Let the fried tomatoes drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. This keeps them from getting soggy.
Follow these tips, and you’ll achieve that delightful crunch that everyone loves! Enjoy cooking!
Classic Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium green tomatoes
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to have these delicious Fried Green Tomatoes ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tomatoes:
Start by washing the green tomatoes thoroughly. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds and use a paper towel to pat them dry. This helps remove excess moisture, which will make the frying process better.
2. Set Up the Dredging Stations:
In one shallow bowl, pour the buttermilk. In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, and optional seasonings (paprika and garlic powder). This will be your coating mixture. Give it a good stir so everything is well combined!
3. Coat the Tomato Slices:
Take each tomato slice and dip it into the buttermilk first, letting any extra liquid drip off. Then, dredge it in the flour and cornmeal mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Repeat this for all the slices, placing them on a plate as you go.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour in about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil. Heat it over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking. If you have a cooking thermometer, aim for around 350°F. You can test the oil by dropping a tiny bit of the coating mixture—if it sizzles, it’s ready!
5. Fry the Tomatoes:
Carefully place the coated tomato slices into the hot oil in a single layer. Make sure not to crowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
6. Drain and Serve:
Once fried, use a slotted spatula to transfer the slices to a paper towel-lined plate. This will help drain any excess oil. Let them cool for a minute before serving.
7. Enjoy!
Serve the Fried Green Tomatoes warm, paired with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch dressing or a spicy remoulade. Enjoy the crispy goodness!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Classic Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
Can I Use Ripe Tomatoes Instead of Green Tomatoes?
While you can technically use ripe tomatoes, they won’t give you the same tangy flavor and firm texture that green tomatoes provide. For the best results, stick with firm, unripe green tomatoes!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free Fried Green Tomatoes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornmeal is certified gluten-free. This will allow you to enjoy this dish without gluten.
Can I Prepare the Tomatoes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can slice the tomatoes and coat them in the buttermilk and flour mixture a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. This can help save time when you’re ready to enjoy them!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Fried Green Tomatoes?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy again. This helps retain their crunchiness!
