Fried green tomato sandwiches are a classic Southern dish that brings together the tangy taste of unripe tomatoes and the crispiness of a perfectly fried coating. This dish is perfect for lunch, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this delicious sandwich, ensuring that even a novice cook can achieve restaurant-quality results at home. Whether you’re a seasoned Southern cook or someone looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients for Fried Green Tomato Sandwiches
To create this mouthwatering sandwich, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Fried Green Tomatoes:
- 4 large green tomatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (sourdough or your choice)
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1 cup mixed greens or lettuce
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 8 slices of cheese (cheddar, provolone, or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Fried Green Tomato Sandwiches
Step 1: Prepare the Green Tomatoes
Start by washing the green tomatoes under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Cut the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices. Lay the slices on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let the tomatoes sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which will help achieve a crispier coating.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until well combined. In the third bowl, mix the cornmeal, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 3: Bread the Tomatoes
Dip each tomato slice into the flour, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured tomato slice into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the tomato slice in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Place the breaded tomatoes on a clean baking sheet.
Step 4: Fry the Tomatoes
In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil is ready for frying when a small amount of the breading mixture sizzles upon contact. Carefully add the breaded tomato slices to the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry each slice for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried tomatoes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
While the tomatoes are draining, toast the slices of bread until they are golden brown. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread this mixture evenly on one side of each slice of toasted bread.
Step 6: Build the Sandwiches
Place a slice of cheese on four of the toasted bread slices. Add a layer of mixed greens or lettuce, followed by the crispy bacon slices. Arrange the fried green tomato slices on top of the bacon. Add a few thin slices of red onion and another slice of cheese. Top with the remaining slices of toasted bread, mayo side down.
Step 7: Serve
Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately. These sandwiches pair wonderfully with a side of sweet potato fries or a light garden salad.
About the Main Ingredients
Green Tomatoes
Green tomatoes are simply unripe tomatoes that offer a firm texture and a tart flavor, making them perfect for frying. They hold up well during the frying process and provide a unique taste that differs from their ripe counterparts. This tartness is balanced beautifully with the savory and crispy coating in this recipe.
Cornmeal
Cornmeal is a staple in Southern cooking, often used for breading and frying due to its coarse texture that results in a crispy and crunchy exterior. It’s made from ground dried corn and can be found in various grinds, with medium or fine grind being ideal for this recipe.
Bacon
Bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor that complements the tangy tomatoes perfectly. Its crispy texture also provides a delightful contrast to the soft, fried tomatoes. Opt for thick-cut bacon to ensure it stands up well in the sandwich.
Mixed Greens
Mixed greens or lettuce add a fresh, crisp element to the sandwich. They provide a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients, while also adding a touch of color and a bit of crunch.
Cheese
Cheese adds a creamy, rich layer to the sandwich. Cheddar offers a sharp flavor, while provolone provides a milder, more subtle taste. The choice of cheese can be tailored to your personal preference, but it’s essential for adding a gooey texture that ties the sandwich together.
Fried green tomato sandwiches are a delightful way to enjoy the unique flavor of green tomatoes. This recipe balances the tanginess of the tomatoes with the crispiness of the cornmeal coating, the smokiness of the bacon, the freshness of the greens, and the creaminess of the cheese. Perfect for a summer lunch or a light dinner, these sandwiches are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the taste of the South with every bite!
