Fried Green Tomatoes are a beloved Southern dish that have gained popularity far beyond the South. Their crisp exterior and tart, juicy interior make for an irresistible appetizer or side dish. Whether you’ve tried them before or this is your first time, this guide will show you how to make Fried Green Tomatoes perfectly at home. Ready to dive into the delicious world of Southern cooking? Let’s get started!

What Are Fried Green Tomatoes?
Fried Green Tomatoes are slices of unripe green tomatoes, coated in a crunchy breading and fried to perfection. The green tomatoes are firm and slightly tangy, making them ideal for frying. When cooked, they develop a wonderful contrast of textures—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Originally a way to use up end-of-season tomatoes, Fried Green Tomatoes have become a quintessential part of Southern cuisine. Whether served with a tangy remoulade or as a side for fried chicken, this dish is a must-try!
Ingredients List for Fried Green Tomatoes
To make the perfect Fried Green Tomatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 large green tomatoes – Make sure they are firm and unripe for the best texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This serves as the base layer for your breading.
- 2 large eggs – Beaten, these help the breading adhere to the tomatoes.
- 1 cup cornmeal – This adds the signature crunch to the fried coating.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs – For an extra layer of crispness.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the tomatoes.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a mild spice to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Provides depth to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – For a hint of smoky flavor.
- 1 cup buttermilk – For soaking the tomatoes and adding tenderness.
- Vegetable oil (or your preferred frying oil) – For frying the tomatoes until golden brown.
Substitutions and Variations
While traditional Fried Green Tomatoes call for specific ingredients, there’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations to suit your taste and dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Cornmeal is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t have to substitute that.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.
- Spicy Variation: If you like a little heat, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to your flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for an extra savory flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture for an herbal twist on the classic recipe.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making Fried Green Tomatoes may seem like an involved process, but once you break it down into steps, it’s simple and straightforward. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your Fried Green Tomatoes come out crispy and delicious every time.

- Prepare the tomatoes: Slice the green tomatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. Lay them out on a plate or a sheet of paper towels and lightly sprinkle both sides with salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out some moisture, which helps them fry better.
- Set up your dredging station: You’ll need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. In the third bowl, combine the cornmeal, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dredge the tomatoes: Start by coating each tomato slice in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the tomato slice into the egg mixture, making sure it's fully covered. Finally, press the tomato slice into the breadcrumb and cornmeal mixture, ensuring a thick, even coating.
- Heat the oil: Pour about ½ inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking (about 350°F).
- Fry the tomatoes: Once the oil is ready, carefully place the coated tomato slices into the skillet. Fry them in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each slice for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried tomatoes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Season and serve: While the tomatoes are still hot, sprinkle a little extra salt on top. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
How to Cook Fried Green Tomatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s break it down a little further, so you can really master this Southern classic:
- Selecting the Tomatoes: Choose firm, unripe green tomatoes. The firmness of green tomatoes makes them perfect for frying because they hold their shape and don’t become too mushy during cooking.
- Drawing Out Moisture: Sprinkling the tomato slices with salt and letting them sit for 15 minutes is crucial. This process helps remove excess moisture, which ensures your tomatoes fry up crispy rather than soggy.
- The Perfect Breading: The three-step dredging process (flour, egg, cornmeal/breadcrumbs) ensures the coating sticks to the tomatoes and provides that signature crunch.
- Frying Temperature: If the oil is too cold, the tomatoes will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the tomatoes are fully cooked. Keep the temperature at a steady 350°F for the best results.
- Draining on Paper Towels: After frying, place the tomatoes on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This step is key for keeping your Fried Green Tomatoes light and crispy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple recipe like Fried Green Tomatoes has its potential pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Using overripe tomatoes: Ripe red tomatoes are too soft for frying and will likely fall apart. Stick to firm, unripe green tomatoes.
- Skipping the moisture step: Failing to draw out moisture from the tomatoes will lead to soggy fried slices.
- Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many tomato slices at once lowers the oil’s temperature and results in soggy, unevenly cooked tomatoes.
- Not seasoning enough: Fried Green Tomatoes rely on seasoning to bring out their full flavor. Don’t forget to add salt and spices to the dredging mixtures and to season the tomatoes after frying.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your Fried Green Tomatoes are golden and crispy, it’s time to think about how to serve and present them. These tips will ensure your dish looks just as good as it tastes!
How to Serve Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried Green Tomatoes are incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- As an Appetizer: Serve them with a side of remoulade or ranch dipping sauce.
- As a Side Dish: Pair them with other Southern staples like fried chicken, collard greens, or cornbread.
- In a Sandwich: Make a Fried Green Tomato BLT by layering them with bacon, lettuce, and mayo on toasted bread.
- In a Salad: Chop up the Fried Green Tomatoes and toss them into a salad for a crunchy, tangy bite.
Presentation Ideas for Fried Green Tomatoes
The key to an appealing presentation is simplicity. Let the vibrant green of the tomatoes shine! Here are a few ideas:
- Stack them: For a simple yet elegant presentation, stack the fried tomatoes in the center of the plate. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- Serve on a platter: Arrange the Fried Green Tomatoes on a large serving platter with a dipping sauce in the middle for a casual, shareable appetizer.
- Garnish with lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon adds a burst of brightness that complements the crispy, savory tomatoes.
Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: You can prepare the tomato slices in advance and dredge them right before frying.
- Keep them crispy: If you’re frying in batches, keep the cooked tomatoes warm in a 200°F oven to maintain their crispiness.
- Double breading: For an extra-thick, crunchy coating, repeat the dredging process twice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use red tomatoes for this recipe?
A: It’s not recommended. Red tomatoes are too soft and juicy, which makes them difficult to fry without becoming mushy. Stick to firm green tomatoes for the best results.
Q: Can I bake Fried Green Tomatoes instead of frying them?
A: Yes! You can bake them on a greased baking sheet at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter version.
Q: What sauce goes well with Fried Green Tomatoes?
A: Remoulade, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli pairs wonderfully with Fried Green Tomatoes.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to retain their crispiness.
Conclusion
There’s something truly special about Fried Green Tomatoes—the crispy, golden coating paired with the tangy green tomato makes for a perfect bite every time. Whether you’re cooking them as an appetizer, a side dish, or even adding them to a sandwich, this Southern classic is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be enjoying crispy Fried Green Tomatoes in no time. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful meal!
Happy frying!
PrintFried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Fried Green Tomatoes are a Southern classic made with fresh green tomatoes, coated in a crispy cornmeal batter, and fried to golden perfection. This easy recipe is perfect as a side dish or snack, and the tangy flavor pairs wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauce. Keywords: Fried Green Tomatoes, Southern, crispy, snack, cornmeal batter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 medium green tomatoes
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Slice green tomatoes into ¼ inch thick rounds.
- In one bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Dip each tomato slice in the egg mixture, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture, coating well.
- Fry tomatoes in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip tomatoes in the egg and cornmeal mixtures.
- Serve with ranch dressing or a spicy dipping sauce for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
Leave a Reply