Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern dish that’s crispy, tangy, and delicious. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe to make them:
Ingredients
- 4-5 medium green tomatoes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Wash and slice the green tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices.
- Sprinkle both sides of the tomato slices with salt and pepper. Let them sit on a paper towel for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- In one shallow bowl, place the flour.
- In another shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- In a third shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Coat the Tomatoes:
- Dredge each tomato slice in the flour, coating both sides and shaking off the excess.
- Dip the floured tomato slice into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Finally, dredge the tomato slice in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating well.
- Fry the Tomatoes:
- Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small pinch of cornmeal into the oil—if it sizzles, it’s ready.
- Working in batches, fry the tomato slices in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried tomatoes to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the fried green tomatoes hot, with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish. They pair wonderfully with ranch dressing or a spicy aioli.
Tips
- Tomato Selection: Choose firm green tomatoes that are unripe but still have a good texture for frying.
- Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature to avoid burning the coating. If the oil is too hot, the coating might burn before the tomatoes cook through.
- Make Ahead: You can bread the tomato slices ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry.
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful fried green tomatoes! They’re a great addition to any meal or as a stand-alone treat.