Crispy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe: A Homestyle Favorite
Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when a perfectly crispy fried green tomatoes recipe hits the skillet.
These tangy, golden-brown slices capture the essence of summer produce with their irresistible crunch.
Unripe tomatoes, sliced and coated in a seasoned cornmeal batter, become a Southern delicacy that tells a story of culinary tradition.
The secret lies in selecting firm, green tomatoes that hold their shape during frying.
Each bite delivers a satisfying contrast between the crisp exterior and the soft, tart interior.
Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved dish, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering Southern classic.
Let’s find out this recipe and savor a taste of authentic Southern comfort food.
Storage Tips for Fried Green Tomato Leftovers
Fridge Fresh Storage: Transfer cooled fried green tomatoes onto a clean, airtight container with paper towel layers between each slice to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crispiness.
Weekend Meal Prep Trick: Prepare coating mixtures in advance and store separately in sealed containers, allowing quick assembly when craving strikes during busy weekdays.
Reheating Magic: Revive leftover tomatoes by warming them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, which helps restore original crunchiness without additional oil absorption.
Freezer Friendly Option: Freeze uncooked breaded tomato slices on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to one month, enabling spontaneous crispy side dish whenever desired.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 390 kcal
Servings: 5
What You Need for the Best Fried Green Tomatoes
For Tomatoes:
Green Tomatoes: Tart and firm fruit perfect for frying, choose unripe tomatoes that are bright green, heavy, and free from soft spots or bruises.
For Coating Ingredients:
Flour, Cornmeal, Bread Crumbs: Create a crispy, golden exterior that adds crunch and texture, select fresh ingredients for maximum flavor and optimal coating.
Eggs, Milk: Binding agents that help coating stick to tomatoes, use fresh eggs at room temperature for better adhesion.
For Seasoning:
Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance overall flavor profile, freshly ground black pepper provides more robust taste, kosher salt distributes evenly for balanced seasoning.
For Frying:
Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil with high smoke point ideal for achieving crispy, evenly cooked tomatoes, ensure oil is clean and fresh for best results.
Equipment for Making Fried Green Tomatoes
Large skillet: Essential for frying tomatoes evenly and creating that perfect golden-brown crust.
Medium bowl: Needed to whisk eggs and milk together smoothly.
Shallow plates: Perfect for creating separate stations for flour, egg mixture, and crumb coating.
Sharp knife: Crucial for slicing green tomatoes into consistent ½-inch rounds.
Paper towels: Helps drain excess oil after frying, keeping tomatoes crispy.
Tongs: Great for safely placing and flipping tomato slices in hot oil.
Measuring cups: Ensures precise amounts of flour, cornmeal, and milk.
Measuring spoons: Helps accurately season the crumb mixture with salt and pepper.
How to Fry Green Tomatoes Perfectly
Tomato Preparation Fresh green tomatoes from the garden or local market get a classic makeover. Slice tomatoes into hearty rounds, removing the delicate end pieces that won't hold up during frying.
Coating Station Whisk together eggs and milk until silky smooth. Spread flour on a separate plate for the first layer of deliciousness. Create a crunchy dredging mix by combining cornmeal, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper in another dish.
Dredging Technique Carefully transform each tomato slice by first dusting with flour, then giving it a bath in the egg mixture, and finally rolling in the seasoned crumb blend to create a perfect crispy jacket.
Oil Magic Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet, bringing it to a sizzling medium temperature. The oil should be deep enough to give each tomato slice a golden tan.
Frying Perfection Gently lower the coated tomato slices into the hot oil, giving each piece room to crisp up beautifully. Fry until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, typically around 2-3 minutes per side.
Finishing Touch Remove the fried green tomatoes and let them rest on paper towels, allowing excess oil to disappear and leaving behind a crispy, mouthwatering treat that captures the essence of Southern cooking.
Tips for Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes
Green tomatoes work best when slightly firm and unripe, providing the perfect crispy texture for frying.
Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F oil, ensuring golden-brown perfection without greasy results.
Mix panko breadcrumbs with cornmeal for extra crunchiness and a more complex flavor profile that elevates the classic recipe.
Pair fried green tomatoes with remoulade sauce, ranch dressing, or a zesty homemade aioli to complement their tangy flavor.
Reheat remaining tomato slices in a hot oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispiness, avoiding soggy reheated bites.
Plating and Serving Fried Green Tomatoes
Southern Comfort Pairing: Serve these crispy green tomatoes alongside creamy ranch dressing or tangy remoulade sauce for a classic Southern-style appetizer that brings zesty flavor to every bite.
Brunch Centerpiece: Transform these golden-brown delights into a hearty brunch dish by topping them with a soft poached egg and sprinkle of fresh chives, creating a delectable morning meal with rustic charm.
Sandwich Sensation: Layer the fried green tomatoes between toasted sourdough bread with crisp bacon, lettuce, and a smear of garlic aioli for a mouthwatering sandwich that elevates classic comfort food to gourmet levels.
Salad Star Topper: Arrange the warm, crunchy tomato slices over a bed of mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, and light vinaigrette to add texture and a delightful Southern twist to your fresh salad.
Southern chefs elevate this crispy green tomatoes recipe with a perfectly seasoned cornmeal crust that delivers incredible crunch. Homemade techniques guarantee golden-brown slices promising rich flavor and delightful texture for home cooks seeking authentic Southern comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
4 green tomatoes (large)
1 liter (33.8 fl oz) vegetable oil (for frying)
2 eggs
120 mL (4 fl oz) milk
125 g (4.4 oz) all-purpose flour
60 g (2.1 oz) cornmeal
50 g (1.8 oz) bread crumbs
10 mL (2 tsp) coarse kosher salt
1 pinch (¼ tsp) ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparation: Create uniform green tomato slices by cutting into precise 1/2-inch rounds, discarding uneven end pieces.
Coating Station: Establish three distinct stations – flour plate for initial dredging, whisked egg and milk mixture for moisture, and seasoned cornmeal-breadcrumb blend for crispy exterior.
Dredging Process: Systematically coat each tomato slice by first dusting with flour, then dipping thoroughly in egg mixture, and finally pressing into seasoned cornmeal mixture to ensure complete, even coverage.
Oil Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F, maintaining optimal depth for consistent frying, creating a golden-brown cooking environment.
Frying Technique: Carefully introduce coated tomato slices into hot oil, allowing 2-3 minutes per side to achieve a perfectly crisp, amber-colored exterior, managing pan temperature to prevent burning.
Finishing Touch: Transfer fried tomatoes onto paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to drain and preserving the delicate, crunchy texture of the golden-brown crust.
Notes
Select Ripe Green Tomatoes: Choose firm, unripe green tomatoes without soft spots or blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
Master Coating Technique: Create a light, even layer of flour first, then egg wash, and finally cornmeal mixture to ensure a perfectly crispy exterior.
Oil Temperature Matters: Keep oil consistently at 350°F to prevent soggy or greasy tomatoes and achieve a golden-brown, crunchy coating.
Drain Properly: Use paper towels to remove excess oil immediately after frying, maintaining the crisp texture and preventing sogginess.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.