Fried Green Tomatoes: A Crispy Southern Favorite with Classic Flavor
Golden, crispy, and full of tangy taste, Fried Green Tomatoes are a well-loved dish in the South. They’re packed with flavor and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or tasty side. With their crunchy outside and firm, sour bite, these tomatoes offer more than just seasonal flavor—they’re real comfort food.
If you’ve never made them before, don’t worry. This easy step-by-step guide will show you exactly what to do, from slicing to serving. Let’s get started!
🍅 What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Firm green tomatoes | 4 (not ripe) |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Yellow cornmeal | ½ cup |
| Plain bread crumbs | ½ cup |
| Kosher salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | About 1 quart (½ inch in pan) |
🥄 How to Make Them
1. Slice the Tomatoes
- Wash the green tomatoes and dry them with a towel.
- Cut them into thick slices, about ½ inch wide. They should be thick enough to stay firm but thin enough to cook evenly.
- Throw away the ends (top and bottom), and lay the slices out on a plate or tray.
2. Set Up the Breading Stations
Use three shallow bowls or plates to get ready for breading:
- Bowl 1 – Flour: Put in 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
- Bowl 2 – Egg Wash: Beat 2 eggs with ½ cup of milk.
- Bowl 3 – Crumbs: Mix ½ cup cornmeal, ½ cup bread crumbs, 2 teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
Place the bowls near your stove—things will go fast once you start frying!
3. Bread the Tomato Slices
Take each tomato slice through all three bowls:
- Coat with flour on both sides, then shake off the extra.
- Dip into the egg mix, letting the extra drip off.
- Cover with the crumb mix, pressing gently so it sticks.
Put each coated slice on a clean plate. Repeat until all slices are breaded.
🧂 Tip: Want extra crunch? Double dip! After the first coat, dip again in the egg and crumbs before frying.
4. Heat the Oil
- Pour vegetable oil into a heavy pan (cast iron works great) until it’s about ½ inch deep.
- Heat the oil over medium or medium-high heat until it reaches 350–375°F (175–190°C).
- To test the heat, drop in a little bit of the crumb mix. It should sizzle and brown in about 15–20 seconds.
⚠️ Important: If the oil smokes, it’s too hot. Lower the heat and let it cool a bit.
5. Fry the Tomatoes in Batches
- Put a few slices in the pan at a time. Don’t crowd them.
- Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
- Use a metal spatula to flip them carefully and keep the coating on.
Once fried, place the slices on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any extra oil.
Repeat until all the slices are fried. Keep an eye on the oil temperature and add more if needed.
6. Let Them Rest
Let the tomatoes sit on the paper towels for 1–2 minutes to stay crispy.
Serve them hot while they’re still crunchy—fresh from the pan is best!
🍽️ How to Serve Them
These fried tomatoes go great with many dishes:
- Classic Southern Style: Serve with ranch or remoulade sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Try chipotle mayo, hot honey, or sriracha aioli.
- Toppings: Add to burgers, BLTs, or grilled chicken sandwiches.
- Fancy Starter: Stack with mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze for a Southern-style Caprese.
🧊 Tips for Making Ahead and Storing
- Prep Ahead: Bread the slices up to 2 hours early and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry.
- Leftovers: Store leftover tomatoes in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- To Reheat: Warm them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 8–10 minutes to make them crispy again. Don’t microwave—they’ll get soggy.
📝 Final Thoughts
Fried Green Tomatoes are more than just a Southern favorite—they’re a way to enjoy fresh green tomatoes with big flavor and satisfying crunch. Whether it’s your first time trying them or your hundredth, they’re always a treat.
So next time you have some firm green tomatoes and want something comforting and delicious, grab your skillet and get frying!
Got your own way of making Fried Green Tomatoes? Add bacon? Drizzle with honey? Tell us in the comments! 🍴✨
