Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes are a beloved Southern summer tradition. Firm, unripened tomatoes are coated in a seasoned cornmeal crust and fried to a crispy, golden brown perfection. Each bite is like a taste of Southern sunshine.

 

Easy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

It’s nearly impossible to think about crispy fried green tomatoes without remembering the fun, retro movie starring Jessica Tandy, Mary Stuart Masterson (Ruth), and Mary-Louise Parker. It’s a Southern classic.

When farm stands begin to open and garden season is in full swing, these simple Southern Fried Green Tomatoes will make they’re glorious appearance on our table. This southern dish is like manna from heaven, in my eyes.

If you aren’t a gardener, I recommend that you find your local farmers market and make friends with the best tomato growers in your area. Green tomatoes tend to show up early in the season, and they can advise you best according to the growing season in the region in which you reside.

Checkout these key ingredients you’ll need to make easy Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Tomatoes – Two large green tomatoes. Choose firm tomatoes.
• Breading – Self-rising cornmeal and all-purpose flour form the base of the breading.
• Seasonings – Seasoned salt, granulated garlic or garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and freshly ground black pepper amp up the flavor.
• Whole Eggs – Two large eggs beaten with buttermilk adds moisture and binds the breading.
• Hot Sauce – Hot sauce adds a hint of spice.
• Vegetable Oil – Vegetable oil for frying.

How to Make the BEST Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

• Prep the Green Tomatoes – Arrange green tomato slices in single layers on doubled paper towels. Gently press another paper towel on top. Let rest for 10 minutes.
• Set-Up the Dredging Ingredients – 1st plate – Plain flour. On a second plate, seasoned flour and cornmeal mixture, 3rd bowl eggs, buttermilk and hot sauce.
• Coat the Tomato Slices – Dredge tomato slices first in plain flour, second into egg wash then into seasoned flour-cornmeal coating. Gently press breading onto tomato slices. Have nearby a pan to place breaded slices.
• Heat the Oil – In a deep 12-inch skillet heat vegetable oil.
• Cook – Fry tomato slices in batches per the recipe until golden brown.
• Drain Well – Remove from oil using slotted spoon to a paper towel lined platter or pan. Don’t stack or the breading will become soggy. Season while hot with additional seasoned salt.
• Serve – Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce of choice.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need to make Fried Green Tomatoes

• A large cast iron skillet or similar heavy bottomed frying pan or pot for frying.
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Paper towel lined platter or baking sheet pan for draining the tomatoes before and after frying. You could also use a wire rack.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Shallow dishes, plates or bowls to prepare the flour-cornmeal coating and egg mixture for the breading.
• A slotted spoon or stainless steel spider to remove from the oil.

Tips for Frying Tomatoes

• To make the crispiest fried green tomatoes it all begins with the preparing the tomato slices prior to cooking. Allow ample time for them to release their juice per the recipe for the best result.
• Choose green, firm tomatoes when gently squeezed for the best result.
• Keep an eye on the oil temp and don’t let it get too hot or the breading can burn.
• Why use paper towels? It’s important to draw some of the juice from the tomato slices prior to frying so the breading will adhere. That’s why it’s important that you aren’t tempted to skip blotting the tomato slices prior to coating with the breading ingredients.

Recipe Variations and Substituions

• Tomatoes – All green tomatoes won’t have the same flavor as each variety has its own nuances. Choose a variety of tomato that you enjoy. You can also fry firm red tomatoes or slices of tomatillos using the same technique.
• Self-Rising Cornmeal – The baking powder in the cornmeal mix adds to the crispy texture of the coating. If you prefer to use plain yellow cornmeal, add 1/2 tsp baking powder or baking soda to adapt.
• Breading Options – In the South, breading is often the personal preference of the cook. I’ve had the pleasure of trying many variations through the years. Some cook’s coat them in finely ground cracker crumbs or dried breadcrumbs, and others in a batter much like you’d use to fry fish. Making classic Southern green tomatoes traditionally utilizes a cornmeal coating. I recommend using a mix of using all purpose flour and cornmeal is the best of both worlds providing that crispy exterior we all love.
• Spices – You could adapt this recipe using Cajun seasoning, seasoned salt or your favorite all purpose seasoning blend.
• Serving Options – Fried tomatoes can be served as a side dish or an appetizer simply with a few dashes of hot sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. I often whip-up a batch of Southern Comeback Sauce or a remoulade sauce as a homemade dip for serving on the side. You can also add them to sandwiches, burgers or make a delicious fried green tomato blt!

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers: Fried Green Tomatoes are best made and eaten fresh. That being said, you can store leftovers in in n airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to crisp or on a sheet pan in a preheated 375°F oven or air fryer.

More Southern Side Dish Recipes to Make

We love our vegetables in the South and the ingredient options are endless. More side dish recipes you may also like to try:

• Another garden favorite is my recipe for crispy pan fried Squash Croquettes.
• This vintage recipe for Creamed Peas can be a side dish or turned into a meal ladled over toast.
• Sweet and buttery roasted Corn on the Cob. 
• Firecracker Fried Okra.
• Sweet Honey Roasted Carrots are an impressive side dish to make.
• Fried Squash is a summer must make!
• Southern Style Candied Yams are a must on your holiday table.
• You may also enjoy this recipe for Green Tomato Relish from A Family Feast.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Breading Trays
• 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet
• Knife and Chopping Board
• Stainless Steel Spider