Whether you’re a fan of Southern food or just someone looking to try a delicious new dish, Fried Green Tomatoes are the ultimate comfort food with a tangy twist! Enjoy a plate full of these golden brown, crispy, fried green tomatoes for a perfect summer appetizer or side with your favorite Southern meal!
These first came across my radar back in the 90s when a movie by the same name was popular (Google it if you haven’t seen it- it is fabulous! Mary Stuart Masterson, Kathy Bates, Mary-Louise Parker, and of course Jessica Tandy– what a cast!)
Being from Rhode Island, I had never heard of GREEN tomatoes, except of course unripe tomatoes on the vine. The movie piqued my interest, and I knew I had to try them.
Well, Southern food is hard to come by if you don’t live in the South! So, if you love these delicious tomatoes and can’t find them on the menu where you live, follow this recipe to make your own at home.
SAVE THIS SOUTHERN FRIED GREEN TOMATOES RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!
What are Green Tomatoes?
There are actually two types of green tomatoes: red tomatoes that haven’t yet ripened, and varieties that are naturally green when fully ripe.
So how can you tell the difference? Ripe green tomatoes feel soft when pressed, and often have stripes or other color variations. They taste very similar to ripe red tomatoes.
Unripened tomatoes, on the other hand, are much firmer to the touch, have a uniform pale green color, and have a tart, almost acidic flavor compared to ripe tomatoes.
Both can be eaten and taste delicious, but they are different than each other!
Where do I find Green Tomatoes?
Pick some unripe red tomatoes from your own garden, or look for them at your local farmers market in late summer/early fall. I was surprised when I found some at my local grocery store! If yours doesn’t have them, they might have some heirloom green tomatoes you can purchase, but you may have to go to a store with a wider variety of produce.
Ingredients for Fried Green Tomatoes
Here’s what you need to make these crispy tomatoes:
- Green Tomatoes
- Cornmeal
- Paprika
- Buttermilk
- Large egg
- All-purpose flour
- Oil (for frying)
Make sure to review the recipe card below for the amounts you’ll need of each ingredient.
How to make Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
This tasty little appetizer is pretty easy to make! Here’s how to do it:
- Wash your tomatoes, then use a sharp knife (I like to use this serrated knife) and a cutting board to slice them into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
- You’ll need three shallow bowls or dishes. Combine cornmeal and paprika into one, buttermilk and egg into another, and flour into another. Heat oil in a frying pan.
- Dredge the tomato slices in the flour, then shake any excess off. Next, put the tomatoes into the buttermilk egg wash mixture and let them soak for at least a minute. Then coat the tomatoes in the cornmeal mixture.
- When the oil is hot, carefully place a few slices into the pan in a single layer, about three or four is good. Don’t overcrowd the pan or the temperature of the oil will drop. After you get a golden crust (about 3-4 min), flip and fry for another 3-4 minutes.
- Place tomatoes on a paper towel to drain and repeat with the remaining slices.
Serve warm following the serving suggestions below!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a homemade or a store-bought remoulade sauce.
- Serve with pimento cheese. This spread adds a rich, cheesy flavor that pairs beautifully with the tanginess of the tomatoes.
- Place one slice of green tomato on a plate, sprinkle it with goat cheese, and top with another fried green tomato. Put in the microwave until the cheese is slightly melted. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Make a Crab Cake BLT with Fried Green Tomatoes on the side.
- For a more substantial meal, serve your tomatoes alongside a hearty dish like shrimp and grits.
- Or make a Southern Burger with Fried Green Tomatoes, Burger, Remoulade, Bacon, and Pimento Cheese.
Cooking Tip
How can you tell when the oil temperature is hot enough to cook the tomatoes? I like to throw a pinch of flour into the hot oil. If the flour sizzles, the oil is ready!
How to store Leftover Fried Green Tomatoes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat in an oiled skillet or in the air fryer.
Love Southern Food? Try these recipes!
These easy recipes are straight from the South, or at least inspired by those famous Southern dishes!
- Baked Beans
- Maple Bacon Gravy
- Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens Soup
- Pimento Cheese Fritters
- Creamed Corn
Fried Green Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 3 green tomatoes
- 1 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup flour
Instructions
- Slice green tomatoes into 1/2 inch slices
- Combine cornmeal and paprika into one bowl, buttermilk and egg into another, and flour into another.
- Dredge tomatoes in flour, dust off. Then put in buttermilk mixture, let soak for a minute.
- Heat oil in frying pan. Then coat tomatoes in cornmeal mixture.
- When oil is hot, carefully place a few slices into the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan or the temperature of the oil will drop. After you get a golden crust, about 3-4 min and Flip and fry for another 3-4 minutes.
- Remove tomatoes and repeat with remaining slices.
Nutrition
did you make this recipe?
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This post was originally published June 13, 2012 and has been updated in format and with pictures on July 11, 2024.
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