Crispy, golden slices of tart green tomatoes coated in a flavorful cornmeal crust—Southern-Style Fried Green Tomatoes are the epitome of Southern comfort food. This beloved dish offers a delightful contrast between the firm, tangy interior and the crunchy, seasoned exterior, making it a perfect appetizer, side dish, or snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This classic Southern recipe is cherished for good reason. It’s easy to prepare and delivers incredible flavor and texture in every bite. Here’s why it stands out:
- A staple of Southern home cooking
- Deliciously crispy and flavorful
- Great use for underripe tomatoes
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Customizable seasoning and coating
- Vegetarian-friendly
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 medium green tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying
directions
- Slice the green tomatoes into 1/4-inch rounds and place them on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and let them rest for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry.
- Set up a dredging station: one plate with flour; one bowl with beaten eggs and buttermilk; and another plate with a mixture of cornmeal, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Dredge each tomato slice in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the cornmeal mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating adheres.
- Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot.
- Fry the coated tomato slices in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately with ranch or remoulade sauce.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 210 kcal per serving
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture for heat.
- Cheesy Coating: Mix a bit of grated Parmesan into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Oven-Baked Version: For a lighter alternative, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning once, until crispy.
storage/reheating
Store leftover fried green tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
What are green tomatoes?
Green tomatoes are unripe tomatoes, typically firmer and more tart than their red counterparts. They are ideal for frying due to their texture and tang.
Can I use red tomatoes for this recipe?
Red tomatoes are too soft and juicy for frying, which can result in a mushy texture. Green tomatoes are preferred for their firmness.
What oil is best for frying green tomatoes?
Vegetable oil or canola oil works well due to their high smoke points and neutral flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Fried green tomatoes are best served fresh. However, you can slice and bread them in advance, then fry just before serving.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Ensure the tomato slices are dry, and press the coating on firmly. A proper dredging station helps the layers adhere well.
Are fried green tomatoes healthy?
While fried foods are higher in fat, using minimal oil and serving with a light dip can make them a moderate indulgence.
What can I serve with fried green tomatoes?
They pair well with ranch, remoulade, coleslaw, grilled meats, or as part of a brunch spread.
Can I freeze fried green tomatoes?
Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture. However, you can freeze breaded (unfried) slices and fry them straight from frozen.
Do I need buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds tang and helps tenderize the tomato. You can substitute with milk plus a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, the traditional recipe is vegetarian. To make it vegan, use plant-based milk and egg replacers.
Conclusion
Southern-Style Fried Green Tomatoes are a timeless dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a bit of Southern tradition to your table. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or side, these golden rounds of crispy goodness are guaranteed to impress with their satisfying crunch and bold taste. Perfect for summer harvests or anytime you crave something special, this recipe is a true classic worth mastering.
Southern-Style Fried Green Tomatoes
Crispy, golden slices of tart green tomatoes coated in a flavorful cornmeal crust—an iconic Southern comfort food that’s perfect as an appetizer or side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 medium green tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Slice the green tomatoes and lay them on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry.
- Set up a dredging station: one plate with flour, one bowl with beaten eggs mixed with buttermilk, and one plate with a mixture of cornmeal, breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each tomato slice into the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally coat with the cornmeal blend. Press lightly to ensure even coating.
- Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the tomatoes in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with a side of ranch or remoulade sauce.
Notes
- Use firm green tomatoes for best results.
- Adjust seasoning in the coating to taste, adding cayenne for extra heat if desired.
- For a thicker crust, repeat the dipping process.
- Best served immediately for maximum crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg