Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe – A Great Way To Use Those Late Season Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern dish that is simple and easy to make. Slices of unripe tomatoes that are breaded and fried in oil until the coating becomes crispy and turns golden brown in color.

It is a great recipe to make at the beginning of the garden season when you are anxiously awaiting the first taste of your homegrown tomatoes. However it is also a popular recipe to make in the fall when the tomato plants still have several large green tomatoes on them but they have no chance to ripen before the first frost hits.

So when you clean out the garden at the end of the season pick the large bright green tomatoes and then cut them into thin slices. Then coat both sides in flour.

Next dip them into a buttermilk egg wash and then coat them with a mixture of cornmeal and breadcrumbs. Once they are ready, carefully drop them in hot oil and let them cook until they become golden brown and crispy.

The crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside tomatoes are great to serve as an appetizer with a dipping sauce. Or you will often find them being offered as a side dish or even as a vegetarian main course in some Southern restaurants.

However to get the tomatoes to turn out perfect, there are a few recipe tips that are important.

Tips For Making Fried Green Tomatoes

1. Use Fresh, Firm Green Tomatoes

When picking your tomatoes be sure to use fresh, firm tomatoes that are still completely green in color. Green tomatoes have a unique flavor that is very different than a ripe red tomato.

The taste is somewhat hard to describe but in general the flavor can be explained as tart and slightly sour. Once breaded and fried, the tomatoes take on a whole new flavor and texture that is undeniably delicious.

Therefore, to ensure the iconic taste of this dish steer clear of using partially ripened tomatoes or green tomatoes that have blemishes or soft spots.

2. Hot Oil

To prevent the tomatoes from sticking to the pan, be sure the oil is hot before adding the tomatoes. The oil needs to be at a temperature of 375°F when checked with a instant read digital thermometer or frying thermometer.

Just be sure that when checking the temperature that the thermometer doesn’t touch the bottom or sides of the pan. Instead, place the tip of the thermometer in the center of the oil to test to see if it is ready.

3. Don’t Overcrowd The Pan

In order for the fried green tomatoes to cook properly you must leave at least 1/2 inch space between them. Therefore, depending on the size of the pan and the size of the tomatoes you may need to work in batches.

When cooking multiple batches be sure to let the oil temperature increase back to the recommended 375°F before adding the next batch.

4. Let The Tomatoes Drain Before Serving

Once the breading turns golden brown in color, use a slotted spatula to remove the tomatoes from the oil. Then place them on paper towels so that the excess oil can be drained off.

This will help ensure that the breading remains nice and crisp. But it is also important so you don’t take a bite into a hidden pocket of hot oil.

What Type of Oil To Make Fried Green Tomatoes

It is best to use a neutral oil in this recipe so that the taste of the tomatoes and breading aren’t altered. You also need to have a high heat oil to prevent the oil from smoking. Below are three great varieties of oil that can be used when frying.

• Vegetable oil
• Peanut oil
• Canola oil

However avoid using extra virgin olive oil and standard olive oil as they both have a lower smoke point and can burn easily.

Possible Recipe Variations

Spicy: If you like spicy foods, add more cayenne to the breading mixture. Then top your fried green tomatoes with a drizzle of Sriracha sauce for an extra kick.

Sweet: If you like to sprinkle a little sugar on red, ripe tomatoes, you will love this tip. Sprinkle the sliced tomatoes with a little sugar. Then add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the breading mixture. This will add a hint of sweetness to the tomatoes.

Other Seasonings: For a more flavorful version season the tomato slices with a generous amount of salt and ground black pepper. Then add 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to the breading mixture.

Baking Instructions

If you enjoy the taste of fried green tomatoes, but don’t like the thought of eating fried foods, you have another option. Bake the tomato slices instead of frying them.

To do this, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Then place the breaded tomato slices on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they become golden brown and crispy.

Air Fryer Instructions

You can also use an air fryer to cook the tomatoes. Do this by preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Then spray the basket with a high heat oil such as avocado or grapeseed oil.

Then place the breaded tomato slices in the basket and spay the top of the breading with olive oil spray. Cook for 5-6 minutes. Then carefully flip, spray the top with oil and continue to cook for another 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

How To Serve Fried Green Tomatoes

The most common way to serve fried green tomatoes is as an appetizer or side dish alongside a sauce for dipping. Below I have listed several suggestions to choose from.

Dipping sauce ideas:

• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing
• Remoulade
• Fry sauce
• Honey mustard
• Sriracha mayonnaise
• BBQ sauce
• Sweet and sour sauce
• Chipotle Sauce

Fried Green Tomatoes

* Complete recipe instructions including specific measurements, cook temperatures and times are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to read the entire article for helpful tips and tricks when making this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 large green tomatoes, cut in 1/4 inch thick slices
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornmeal, white cornmeal preferred
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
• 18 teaspoon ground black pepper
• pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying (more or less depending on the size of your pan)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Whisk egg and buttermilk together in a medium-sized bowl. Then place the flour in a shallow bowl or plate.

2. Mix cornmeal, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper in another shallow bowl or plate.

3. Working one at a time dip both sides of the tomato slice into flour to coat. Then dip the tomato into milk and egg mixture and dredge in breadcrumbs to completely coat.

5. Fry the tomato slices in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

6. Remove the tomato slices from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

No matter how you serve them fried green tomatoes are a delicious dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. So next time you’re looking for a great way to use up those green tomatoes, give this recipe a try!

Enjoy!

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