🍅 Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern U.S. dish made from firm, unripe (green) tomatoes that are sliced, coated, and fried until crispy and golden.
They’re crunchy on the outside, slightly tangy and tender inside.
📝 Classic Southern Recipe
Ingredients
- 3–4 large green tomatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Slice tomatoes
Cut into ¼-inch thick slices. Pat dry with paper towels. - Set up dredging station
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Eggs + buttermilk (whisked)
- Bowl 3: Cornmeal + breadcrumbs + salt + pepper + paprika
- Coat
Dredge each slice in flour → dip in egg mixture → coat in cornmeal mixture. - Fry
Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. - Drain & serve
Place on paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt while hot.
🍽️ How They’re Served
- With remoulade or comeback sauce
- With ranch dressing
- Topped with pimento cheese
- In a BLT sandwich
- With shrimp and grits
🔥 Tips for Perfect Texture
- Use firm, completely green tomatoes (not slightly red).
- Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Keep oil temperature steady.
- For extra crispiness, double-dip in egg and cornmeal.
🎬 Cultural Note
The dish became nationally famous after the novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg and its 1991 film adaptation Fried Green Tomatoes.
If you’d like, I can also share an air-fryer version or a lighter pan-fried method.
