Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern dish that’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course. This recipe will show you how to make crispy, flavorful fried green tomatoes that are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients for Fried Green Tomatoes
- 4 large green tomatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices. Discard the ends.
- Prepare the Dredging Station: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Dredge the Tomatoes: Dip each tomato slice into the flour mixture, coating both sides. Shake off any excess flour. Dip the coated tomato slice into the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Fry the Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the coated tomato slices into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried tomatoes from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the fried green tomatoes hot, as a side dish or appetizer.
About the Main Ingredients
Green Tomatoes: Green tomatoes are unripe tomatoes that are firmer and more tart than ripe tomatoes. They hold up well to frying and have a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating.
Cornmeal: Cornmeal is used in the coating to add crunch and texture to the fried green tomatoes. It also adds a subtle corn flavor that complements the tomatoes.
Seasonings: The seasonings, including salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, add flavor to the coating and enhance the overall taste of the fried green tomatoes.
Eggs and Milk: The egg and milk mixture helps the flour and cornmeal adhere to the tomatoes, creating a crispy coating when fried.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used for frying the tomatoes. It should be heated to the right temperature to ensure that the tomatoes cook evenly and become crispy.
