Fried green tomatoes are a quintessential dish in Southern cuisine, capturing the essence of home-cooked comfort food. With a crunchy coating and tangy center, this dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying this for the first time, this green tomato recipe will become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the details and tips for making the best fried green tomatoes.
The popularity of fried green tomatoes soared after the release of the movie Fried Green Tomatoes, starring Jessica Tandy. This classic Southern dish has since become a staple in many homes.
Traditionally made with unripe tomatoes, the dish is celebrated for its simplicity and rich flavors. Whether you source your tomatoes from your own garden, a local farmers market, or a local grocery store, the freshness of the ingredients significantly enhances the final result.
Here in the north, our growing season is short, and we often experience surprise early frosts in the fall. That leaves us scrambling to gather whatever produce we can out of the garden, whether ripe or not, which usually includes piles of green tomatoes.
There are many ways to use green tomatoes, but most people automatically think of classic fried green tomatoes. They’re delicious, easy to cook, and a great way to use up unripened tomatoes.
Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients:
For this recipe, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Here’s the list:
- 4 large green tomatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil for frying (canola oil or olive oil works best)
Instructions:
- Start by thoroughly washing the green tomatoes. Slice them into slices about 1/4-inch each. This thickness ensures they cook evenly and maintain their firm texture.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to make the flour mixture. This blend of dry ingredients will give your tomatoes a flavorful base coating.
- Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the milk or buttermilk and egg to create the egg wash. This mixture will help the cornmeal adhere to the tomato slices.
- Finally, place the yellow cornmeal in another shallow bowl. For a bit of a kick, you can add cayenne pepper or cajun seasoning to the cornmeal mixture.
- Heat your vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. For best results, the oil temperature should be around 350°F. Ensure there’s enough oil to submerge the tomato slices at least halfway.
- Dip each green tomato slice into the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly. Then, dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the tomato in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good, even layer.
- Carefully place the coated tomato slices into the hot oil, frying them in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tomatoes. Fry each slice for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the tomatoes from the hot oil. Place them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels or on a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
Fried green tomatoes make an excellent side dish, but they can also be the star of a meal. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
- Dipping sauce: Serve with a spicy aioli or ranch dressing for dipping. A mix of mayonnaise and hot sauce with a squeeze of lemon juice makes a simple and delicious dip.
- Classic BLT sandwich: Add fried green tomatoes to a BLT sandwich for an exciting twist. The crunchy tomatoes pair perfectly with crispy bacon and fresh lettuce.
- On their own: Enjoy them as they are, fresh out of the skillet. They are a great appetizer or snack.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. To reheat, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven until they are heated through and crispy again, or reheat in a hot skillet on the stove.
Fried Green Tomatoes Without Cornmeal
If you prefer not to use cornmeal, you can still enjoy delicious fried green tomatoes by making a few simple modifications to the recipe. Here are some tips and alternatives:
Using Breadcrumbs
One of the easiest and most popular substitutes for cornmeal is breadcrumbs. They provide a similar crunchy texture and can be found in various styles, such as plain, seasoned, or panko.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are larger and flakier than regular breadcrumbs, creating an extra-crispy coating. To use panko, simply replace the cornmeal in the recipe with an equal amount of panko breadcrumbs.
- Regular breadcrumbs: Plain or seasoned breadcrumbs work well too. You can find them at your local grocery store or make your own.
Using Cracker Crumbs
Crushed crackers are another excellent alternative. They add a unique flavor and crunch to the tomatoes.
- Saltine brackers: Crush saltine crackers into fine crumbs and use them in place of the cornmeal. The salty flavor complements the tartness of the green tomatoes.
- Ritz brackers: For a slightly buttery taste, crush Ritz crackers and use them as a coating.
Using Flour Only or Nut Flours
If you prefer a lighter coating, you can skip the cornmeal and use only flour. This will give the tomatoes a thinner, more delicate crust. For a gluten-free option or a unique twist, try using almond flour or another nut flour.
- Flour mixture: Combine all-purpose flour with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This will add flavor to the tomatoes without the heavier texture of cornmeal.
- Almond flour: Almond flour can be used in place of cornmeal to create a nutty, slightly sweet coating. It’s a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.
Using Parmesan Cheese
Adding grated Parmesan cheese to your flour mixture can create a flavorful, cheesy crust. Mix equal parts of grated Parmesan cheese and flour. This combination will give your fried green tomatoes a deliciously savory flavor and crispy texture.
Adjusting the Recipe
When using any of these alternatives, follow the same basic steps in the recipe:
- Prepare your green tomato slices as usual, cutting them into thick slices.
- Create your flour mixture by combining all-purpose flour with your chosen seasonings.
- Make the egg wash by whisking together buttermilk and egg.
- Replace the cornmeal with your chosen alternative (breadcrumbs, cracker crumbs, flour, Parmesan cheese, or nut flour).
- Dip the tomato slices in the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and finally coat them with your chosen alternative.
- Fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
Experiment and Enjoy
Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe. Try using different types of cornmeal, such as white cornmeal, for a slightly different texture and flavor. You can also mix in other seasonings or herbs to the flour mixture to suit your taste.
For a traditional Southern twist, you can fry the tomatoes in bacon grease. This adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the tanginess of the tomatoes.
For those growing their own heirloom tomatoes, this recipe is a great way to use up any unripened tomatoes at the end of the growing season. The tartness of the unripe tomatoes provides a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate with fully ripened ones.
Fried green tomatoes are more than just a dish; they are a cherished part of Southern culinary tradition. Whether you’re making them for the first time or have enjoyed them for years, this recipe is sure to bring a taste of the South to your table. So next time you have some green tomatoes on hand, remember this simple recipe and enjoy a slice of golden, crunchy delight.
