These Easy Classic Southern Fried Green Tomatoes are a crunchy and tasty treat! With slices of tart green tomatoes coated in seasoned cornmeal, they make a perfect snack or side dish.
Fried green tomatoes are a bit like the “cool cousin” of regular tomatoes! I love them crispy on the outside and soft inside. They’re fantastic with a dollop of ranch for dipping. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Tomatoes: Choose firm, unripe green tomatoes for the best flavor and texture. While some recipes use ripe ones, green tomatoes provide that tangy taste. If you can’t find green tomatoes, you could experiment with firm zucchini or eggplant slices, though they will change the flavor.
Cornmeal: This gives the tomatoes their signature crunch. If you want a finer texture, feel free to use finely-ground cornmeal or even polenta. For a gluten-free option, just use a gluten-free flour blend alongside cornmeal.
Buttermilk: This adds a lovely tang to the batter. If you don’t have any, mix milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. You can also use regular milk, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil works well, but peanut or canola oil is my favorite for frying due to their high smoke points. Avoid using olive oil as it isn’t ideal for frying.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy Coating?
The secret to getting a perfectly crispy coating on your fried green tomatoes is all about the layers. First, make sure to dry your tomato slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Then, follow these steps for a crunchy finish:
- Coat the tomatoes well in the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off.
- Press each slice firmly into the cornmeal mixture. This ensures that the coating sticks well while frying.
- Fry in hot oil but avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the temperature to drop and lead to soggy tomatoes. Fry in batches if needed.
- Let them drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil, which keeps them crispy.
With these tips, your fried green tomatoes will turn out deliciously crispy every time!
Easy Classic Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large green tomatoes
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to fry, depending on your frying method. You’ll spend a little time coating the tomatoes and then just enjoy watching them crisp up in the skillet. In about 30-35 minutes total, you’ll have a delightful dish to share!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tomatoes:
Start by washing the green tomatoes thoroughly. Once clean, slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. These slices will be the stars of your dish, so make sure they are evenly cut for even cooking!
2. Create the Egg Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until well combined. This mixture is what will help the cornmeal adhere to the tomato slices and give you that perfect crispy coating.
3. Mix the Coating:
In another shallow bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). This will be the flavorful coating for your tomatoes, so make sure it’s well combined!
4. Coat the Tomato Slices:
Take each tomato slice and first dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then dredge it thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. Repeat this process until all slices are coated.
5. Heat the Oil:
Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to a depth of about 1/4 inch. Heat the oil over medium heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking. This is the magic moment when your tomatoes will fry up beautifully!
6. Fry the Tomatoes:
Fry the coated tomato slices in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
7. Drain Excess Oil:
Once the tomatoes are cooked, transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. This step helps keep your fried green tomatoes crispy and delicious.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your fried green tomatoes hot as a delightful snack or alongside your favorite meal. They’re especially tasty with a dipping sauce like ranch or remoulade. Enjoy the crispy, golden-brown bites of Southern comfort!
FAQs About Easy Classic Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
Can I Use Ripe Tomatoes Instead of Green Tomatoes?
While ripe tomatoes can be used, they won’t provide the same tangy flavor and firm texture that green tomatoes do. For the best results, stick to firm, unripe green tomatoes for that classic taste!
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Alternatively, you can use plain yogurt, thinned with a little milk.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Green Tomatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to crisp them back up instead of using the microwave, which can make them soggy.
Can I Make These Fried Green Tomatoes in Advance?
While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can prepare the tomato slices and coating ahead of time. Store the coated slices in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying them for a quick and easy snack later on!
