Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe: A Southern Delight
Get ready for a taste of the South with my real Southern Fried Green Tomatoes recipe! These tangy, crispy bites are a staple in southern cuisine, a true classic that is as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’ve already tried and loved this dish or are new to the culinary world of the South, this recipe is guaranteed to have your taste buds singing.
If you’re not familiar with fried green tomatoes, let me fill you in. These delectable crispy slices of unripe tomatoes are coated in a mixture of cornmeal, flour and spices before being deep-fried to golden perfection. The end result? A mouth-watering snack or appetizer!
The best part about my recipe? It’s incredibly easy to make and takes just under half an hour. My recipe uses simple pantry ingredients like all-purpose flour, cornmeal, eggs and water. Plus, I’ve included tips and variations that will help you customize your dish to your liking.
So whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a new snack or simply looking for some comfort food, my Southern Fried Green Tomatoes recipe is sure to delight your palate. Trust me; once you try these crispy treats, you’ll love them and won’t be able to resist them again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this easy southern fried green tomatoes recipe that we have in store for you! If you have never tried this classic southern delicacy before, it’s high time that you do. And if you’ve already tasted this dish, then buckle up and get ready to enjoy the most flavorful, crispy-fried green tomatoes ever!
What makes these fried green tomatoes so irresistibly delicious? It’s all about the perfect blend of ingredients! We use a combination of cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, and a few other secret spices to create a unique and savory flavor that will make your taste buds sing.
But that’s not all! The texture is also spot-on. With a nice golden brown exterior and a tender juicy interior, these fried green tomatoes are truly one of a kind. They’re perfect as an appetizer or as a side dish, making them versatile for any occasion.
Not only are they tasty, but they are also incredibly easy to make. You can pan-fry them or even use an air fryer for a healthier option. You’ll be impressed with how quick you can whip together this recipe and how easily they turn out perfectly every time. And as an added bonus? This recipe uses simple ingredients readily available at any grocery store.
So what are you waiting for? Try out this authentic Southern recipe and see what the hype is all about! Just be warned: once you try these crispy fried green tomatoes, there’s no turning back.
Ingredient List
Let’s start by gathering all the recipe ingredients in one place. Here is what you will need to make these easy southern fried green tomatoes:
– Green Tomatoes
We need 2 large, unripe green tomatoes. These will provide the perfect tanginess that pairs well with the breading.
– All-Purpose Flour
We need 1 cup of all-purpose flour to coat the tomato slices.
– Cornmeal
We need 1/2 cup of cornmeal to mix with the flour and create a crispy breading for the tomatoes.
– Eggs
We need 2 large eggs (lightly beaten), which are used to help bind the breading mixture to the tomato slices.
– Water
We need 2/3 cup of water to thin-out an over-thickened batter.
– Salt and Pepper
We need 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, used to season both the batter and tomato slices before assembling them.
– Oil
We need enough oil, vegetable or canola, for frying.
Make sure that you have all these ingredients handy before jumping into preparing the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Slice the Green Tomatoes
The first step of this recipe is to slice 2 large green tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices. To make things easier, slice off both the top and bottom of each tomato and then cut these into thin even slices. Keep in mind that having uniform slices ensures that they will cook properly when frying them.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Station
In a shallow bowl, add 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup cornmeal, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper. Mix all of these ingredients together to create your dredging mixture. In another shallow bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 ¼ cups water.
Step 3: Coat the Tomatoes in the Dredging Mixture
To make sure that the tomatoes are well coated, start by dipping each slice into the dredging mixture, followed by the egg wash and then back into the dredging mixture again. Make sure to gently press down each slice for a full coating.
Step 4: Fry the Tomatoes Until Golden Brown
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Once hot, carefully add in your tomato slices few at a time and fry them for about two minutes. As they cook, they will become golden brown on one side. Flip them over using tongs to brown the other side, which should take around two more minutes.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once done frying them, remove with tongs and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any extra oil. Optionally, you can sprinkle some extra salt over them while they are still hot. These fried green tomatoes can be served alone, as an appetizer or side dish, or as part of another dish such as fried green tomato BLTs or burgers. The possibilities are endless with these crispy and delicious southern favorites.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to add your own twist to this easy southern fried green tomatoes recipe? Not a problem. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
1. Panko Bread Crumbs – Want a lighter, flakier crust? Substitute panko bread crumbs for the cornmeal and all-purpose flour.
2. Spicy Seasonings – Want to add a little heat to your fried green tomatoes? Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter mix.
3. Yellow Cornmeal – For a classic Southern twist, try substituting yellow cornmeal for the all-purpose flour in your batter mix.
4. Gluten-Free Flour – If you’re avoiding gluten, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute for regular all-purpose flour.
5. Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes – Craving that crispy fried crunch, but don’t want the added fat? You can cook these in an air fryer instead of deep frying.
6. Dipping Sauce – Switch up the flavor of your dipping sauce by adding ingredients such as garlic, lemon juice, or even horseradish.
7. Different Tomatoes – While this recipe calls specifically for green tomatoes, there’s no reason why you can’t use heirloom or other types of ripe tomatoes if you prefer.
Remember, while these substitutions and variations can definitely add something unique to your dish, make sure that any changes you make to the recipe won’t alter its ability to cook properly.
Serving and Pairing
Congratulations! You have just succeeded in creating a magnificent dish of Southern-style fried green tomatoes. Now it’s time to take your culinary journey to the next level by serving and pairing your delicious masterpiece.
For starters, consider pairing your fried green tomatoes with a refreshing dipping sauce. Whether it’s a classic ranch or something more daring like a homemade tomato relish, some sauce will undoubtedly elevate the flavors of the dish. Experiment with different dips to find the perfect complement for your southern fried green tomatoes.
If you’re planning on serving the fried green tomatoes as a side dish, you may wish to pair them with proteins such as grilled chicken or pork chops. This is an ideal combination for those who are looking for something hearty and satisfying.
For vegetarian options, you can serve your southern-style tomatoes with other vegetable dishes such as collard greens or black-eyed peas salad. These sides add depth and balance to the meal and make for a well-rounded Southern-inspired menu.
In terms of drinks, a glass of crisp white wine pairs perfectly with this dish, especially if you’re serving it during warmer months. A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris works great to complement the tangy flavor of the crispy fried green tomatoes.
Alternatively, you can serve sweet tea or lemonade- another southern staple – which will help cut through the richness of the dish while providing a wonderfully refreshing taste.
No matter how you decide to serve and pair your Southern-style fried green tomatoes, enjoy every bite knowing that you’ve made something truly special.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
I’m a big fan of making food in advance, so I always recommend making these fried green tomatoes ahead of time. You can either store them in the fridge or freeze them for later use.
To store the fried green tomatoes in the fridge, allow them to cool down completely, then wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat them, simply pop them into the oven at 350F for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
For longer storage, freeze the fried green tomatoes instead. Allow them to cool down completely and then transfer them into an airtight container separating individual slices with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months and when you’re ready to eat them, defrost overnight in the fridge or microwave on a low setting until thawed. To get that crispy texture back, reheat them in the oven at 375F for 12-15 minutes or until hot.
If you have any leftover batter after making these delicious fried green tomatoes, don’t waste it! Store it in a small bowl covered in plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will keep fresh for up to 2-3 days.
Lastly, while these fried green tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh out of the frying pan, they can still taste great even if reheated. Just be sure to avoid microwaving your leftover fried green tomatoes as this will make them soggy – you want your leftovers to taste as crispy and savory as when they were freshly-cooked.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to Southern Fried Green Tomatoes, there are some key tips and tricks that can help you achieve the perfect results. As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I’ve learned these tips through years of experience and experimentation. Follow these guidelines, and your fried green tomatoes will be crispy, golden brown, and delicious every time.
1. Use the right combination of flours
The best breading for Southern Fried Green Tomatoes is a mixture of all-purpose flour and cornmeal. Combining these two flours gives the tomatoes a nice texture and flavor. I recommend using a 2:1 ratio of cornmeal to all-purpose flour. For added seasoning, you can also add salt and pepper to the flour mixture before breading the tomato slices.
2. Slice the tomatoes just right
To get the perfect crispy texture on your fried green tomatoes, it’s important to slice them to the right thickness. Cut your green tomatoes into ½ inch thick slices. Thinner slices will cook faster but might not have the same crunch as thicker slices.
3. Keep your oil hot
In order to get that golden brown color on your fried green tomatoes, it’s important to keep your oil hot. You want to maintain a temperature between 350-375°F throughout the frying process. This will ensure that your tomatoes are cooked through evenly without becoming too greasy.
4. Use an air fryer for healthier results
If you’re looking for a healthier way to enjoy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes, try using an air fryer! The air fryer will still give you that crispy texture you crave without all the oil from deep frying.
5. Serve with a tasty dipping sauce
The classic dipping sauce for fried green tomatoes is always a spicy remoulade or a cool ranch dressing. But don’t be afraid to get creative! Try making your own tomato sauce recipe or even experimenting with bread crumbs for an extra crunch.
Following these tips will guarantee perfect Southern Fried Green Tomatoes every time. As always, practice makes perfect, so grab those green tomatoes and start frying!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be a few questions that come to mind. In this section, I will address some of the most commonly asked questions and provide tips and suggestions to help you make the most out of your Southern Fried Green Tomatoes. So, let’s get started!
What is the secrets in the sauce fried green tomatoes?
The sauce is the key, especially when it comes to the special ingredients we use to make it. Our secret blend includes lemon juice, an assortment of flavorful spices, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, onion, and parsley, resulting in an unbelievably delicious dipping sauce.
What type of tomato is best for fried green tomatoes?
For the best results when making fried green tomatoes, I recommend using beefsteak, celebrity, or early girl tomatoes. Heirloom green tomatoes, while tasty, may be too juicy for frying and could fall apart during the cooking process. Also, don’t worry if your green tomatoes start showing some red spots before cooking them – this is completely normal.
How do you take the bitterness out of fried green tomatoes?
To achieve the ideal crispy texture, it’s best to slice your green tomatoes horizontally into slices that are around ¼ to ½ inch in thickness. For those who prefer a sweeter taste, a tiny pinch of sugar can be added to each slice to balance out any lingering bitterness.
Are fried green tomatoes a Southern dish?
Although many people associate fried green tomatoes with Southern cuisine, it may come as a surprise that this dish was actually introduced to the United States in the 19th century by Jewish immigrants. Interestingly, before the 1970s, you wouldn’t find fried green tomatoes mentioned in Southern cookbooks or newspapers as this dish was primarily popular in Northeastern and Midwestern regions.
Bottom Line
So there you have it, folks. A recipe for the classic southern delicacy that is fried green tomatoes. This dish is easy to make, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and crispy dish in no time. Whether you’re looking to impress your Southern friends or just want to try something new, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
With these tips, substitutions, and variations, you have the freedom to explore different flavor profiles and textures. So why not take some inspiration from this recipe and make it your own? And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try frying up some other vegetables with the same recipe?
Whether you prefer them as a side dish or as a main course, this Southern fried green tomatoes recipe is one that will keep you coming back for more. So gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Real Southern Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 -6 large green tomatoes
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated garlic
- 1 -2 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons Mrs. Dash tomato basil garlic seasoning
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Slice tomatoes about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
- Mix all dry ingredients together in shallow dish. Save 1/2 teaspoon of salt for taste at end.
- Beat eggs and water together.
- Add oil to frying pan to medium heat.
- Coat tomatoes with egg wash.
- Then coat in flour and spice mixture.
- Add to hot oil. Cook until golden brown. Edges will turn golden first so check after about 2 minutes, then turn over and cook other side.
- Remove from oil to a pan with layers of paper towel for drainage.
- Salt immediately.
- Serve with any southern dinner or on their own. Great snack.
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