There’s something about the swish of a skillet and the smell of cornmeal in the air that takes me right back to summers in my grandmother’s kitchen. These crisp fried green tomatoes are further than just a Southern classic — they’re a memory on a plate. pungent, brickle
, and impeccably golden, they’re the kind of simple comfort food that brings people together and makes you feel right at home. At Tasty Sources, we believe cuisine is about further than constituents; it’s about connection. This form celebrates that spirit with every bite. Whether you’ve grown up with fried green tomatoes or you’re trying them for the first time, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know. From choosing the right tomatoes to achieving that crisp crust, we’re keeping it simple, golden, and full of flavor.
Table of contents
What Are Fried Green Tomatoes?
Fried green tomatoes are made from unripe tomatoes that are firm and tart, perfect for frying. Their texture holds up beautifully in hot oil, and their bright flavor contrasts deliciously with a savory, crispy coating. Traditionally a Southern dish, fried green tomatoes have made their way into kitchens all over the country for good reason: they’re downright irresistible.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 4. Double it for a crowd or halve it for a quick snack.
Tomatoes:
- 4 medium green tomatoes, firm and unripe
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Breading station:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk)
- ½ cup fine cornmeal
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for a smoky touch)
Frying:
- Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil (for shallow frying)
Optional toppings:
- Chopped parsley
- Crumbled bacon
- Pimento cheese
How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes
1. Slice & Salt the Tomatoes
Wash and slice the tomatoes into ½-inch rounds. Discard the ends. Lightly salt both sides and let them sit on paper towels for 10 minutes. This draws out moisture and helps them stay crisp when frying.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
In three shallow bowls or plates:
- Place flour in the first.
- In step two, combine the eggs and buttermilk by whisking them thoroughly.
- In the third, combine cornmeal, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Tomatoes
Working one slice at a time:
- Dredge in flour (shake off excess).
- Dip in egg mixture.
- Press into the breadcrumb/cornmeal mixture until fully coated.
4. Fry Until Golden
Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (around 350–375°F). Carefully place 3–4 slices in the oil at a time—don’t overcrowd. Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
Place on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Green Tomatoes
- Use firm green tomatoes only—ripe red ones will fall apart when fried.
- Don’t skip salting and resting the slices—it makes a big difference in texture.
- For an extra crispy coating, try double-dipping: start with flour, dip in egg, coat with cornmeal, then repeat the egg and cornmeal steps.
- Want more flavor? Add a dash of hot sauce to the egg wash or use Cajun seasoning.
Sauce Ideas & Dips
Fried green tomatoes are delicious on their own, but even better with a good sauce. Try:
- Classic Remoulade: mayo, mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic, paprika
- Spicy Ranch: ranch dressing with a dash of cayenne or hot sauce
- Spread pimento cheese over freshly fried tomatoes for that perfect Southern bite.
How to Store and Reheat Fried Green Tomatoes
To store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
To reheat: Use an air fryer, oven (375°F), or a lightly oiled skillet. Avoid microwaving—they’ll get soggy.
Freezing tip: You can bread uncooked slices and freeze them in a single layer. When ready to cook, fry straight from frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Place breaded slices on a greased baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway.
Look for firm, underripe red tomatoes—or try tomatillos for a tangy twist.
Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Cornmeal is naturally gluten-free.
Not as written, but you can substitute egg with plant-based milk and a flax egg, and use dairy-free milk and crumbs.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about turning simple ingredients into something crave-worthy—and these fried green tomatoes do just that. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of bold Southern charm, they’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Serve them up at your next gathering, bring them to a summer cookout, or just enjoy them warm with a cold drink and good company. No matter how you serve them, they’ll bring a little extra joy to your kitchen—one golden bite at a time.
Craving More Southern-Inspired Recipes?
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Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 4 Green tomatoes Sliced ¼ to ½ inch thick
- ½ cup Buttermilk For soaking the tomato slices
- ½ cup All-purpose flour
- ½ cup Cornmeal Yellow or white
- ½ tsp Salt Adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
- ¼ tsp Paprika Optional for flavor and color
- Vegetable oil For frying
Instructions
- Soak the Tomatoes: Dip tomato slices in buttermilk and let them soak for about a minute.
- Prepare the Dredge: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Coat the Slices: Dredge each tomato slice in the flour mixture until fully coated.
- Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry tomato slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Drain & Serve: Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch, remoulade, or spicy mayo).