Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe: A Southern Classic You’ll Love!
If you’re craving a crispy, tangy, and delicious snack or appetizer, look no further than this classic fried green tomatoes recipe! Perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection, these tomatoes bring together that irresistible combination of crunchy coating and juicy, slightly tart tomato flesh. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering, looking for a new appetizer, or just curious to try a Southern favorite, this recipe will definitely hit the spot. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about making the perfect fried green tomatoes from scratch!

What Are Fried Green Tomatoes?
Fried green tomatoes are a beloved Southern dish made by coating unripe green tomatoes in a seasoned breading and frying them to a crisp. The green tomatoes are firm, slightly tangy, and hold up well during frying, making them the perfect candidate for a crispy snack. While this dish is deeply rooted in Southern cuisine, it has gained popularity across the country thanks to its irresistible flavor and texture.
Ingredients List for Fried Green Tomatoes
To make the perfect fried green tomatoes, you'll need a few simple ingredients. Here's what you’ll need:
- 4 to 5 medium green tomatoes (firm and unripe)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 cup cornmeal (adds crunch and flavor)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
- 2 large eggs (for coating)
- ½ cup buttermilk (adds a subtle tang)
- ½ teaspoon salt (seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (for a bit of spice)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for flavor)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil, for frying)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Ingredients List for Frying
The frying process is what gives fried green tomatoes their crispy, golden exterior. To make sure they come out perfect, you’ll need the following for the frying step:
- Vegetable oil – Enough to cover about ½ inch of the skillet for shallow frying.
- A large skillet or cast-iron pan – For even heat distribution.
- Paper towels – To drain the tomatoes after frying.
- Tongs or a slotted spoon – To flip and remove the tomatoes from the hot oil.
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to put your own twist on this classic recipe, here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
- Cornmeal alternatives: If you don’t have cornmeal, you can substitute it with panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness or use more flour for a smoother coating.
- Gluten-free version: Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornmeal for the coating.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk or any non-dairy milk. You can add a tablespoon of lemon juice to mimic the tanginess of buttermilk.
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breading mixture.
- Herb-infused breading: For added flavor, mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme into the breading mixture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the process of making fried green tomatoes step by step:
- Slice the Tomatoes: Begin by slicing your green tomatoes into thick slices, about ¼-inch thick. You want them thick enough to hold their shape during frying but not so thick that they take too long to cook through.
- Set Up the Dredging Station: Set up three bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, place the flour and season it with salt, pepper, and paprika. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. In the third bowl, mix the cornmeal and breadcrumbs (if using).
- Coat the Tomato Slices: Dredge each tomato slice in the flour first, coating both sides evenly. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the coating sticks well.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking – around 350°F is ideal. Test the oil by dropping a small pinch of the breading in; if it sizzles immediately, it's ready.
- Fry the Tomatoes: Fry the breaded tomato slices in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip them carefully.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once fried, transfer the tomatoes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
How to Cook Fried Green Tomatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking fried green tomatoes is easy if you follow the steps above. However, there are a few key points to keep in mind to ensure they come out perfectly crispy and delicious every time:
- Start with firm green tomatoes: Make sure your tomatoes are firm and unripe, as softer tomatoes will become mushy when fried.
- Control the oil temperature: Keeping the oil at the right temperature is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the tomatoes will burn on the outside and be undercooked inside. If it’s too cool, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying too many tomatoes at once will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, unevenly cooked tomatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for when making fried green tomatoes:
- Using ripe tomatoes: Make sure to use green, unripe tomatoes. Ripe tomatoes are too soft and won’t hold up well during frying.
- Skipping the paper towel step: Draining the fried tomatoes on paper towels helps remove excess oil and keeps them crisp.
- Under-seasoning the breading: Be sure to season the flour and cornmeal mixtures well to ensure the fried tomatoes have plenty of flavor.
- Frying at the wrong temperature: As mentioned earlier, keeping the oil at the correct temperature is crucial to achieving a crispy exterior without making the tomatoes greasy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Fried green tomatoes can be served in many ways, whether as a snack, appetizer, or even as a side dish. Here are some serving and presentation ideas to elevate your dish:
- Serve with a dipping sauce: Fried green tomatoes are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a dipping sauce like remoulade, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle your fried green tomatoes with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve as a side: Fried green tomatoes make a great side dish to Southern staples like fried chicken, collard greens, or shrimp and grits.
How to Serve Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are best served fresh and hot from the frying pan. They can be served as:
- An appetizer: Serve them as finger food with a variety of dipping sauces at your next gathering.
- A side dish: Pair them with your favorite Southern main dishes like BBQ ribs or grilled pork chops.
- A sandwich topping: Fried green tomatoes make an excellent addition to a sandwich, especially when paired with bacon, lettuce, and a smear of mayonnaise for a twist on a BLT.
- A salad topper: Add them to a salad for a crispy and tangy element.
Presentation Ideas for Fried Green Tomatoes
Presentation plays a key role in making your dish look appetizing. Here are some presentation ideas:
- Rustic charm: Serve your fried green tomatoes on a wooden cutting board or a rustic platter lined with parchment paper for a casual, Southern feel.
- Elegant twist: For a more refined presentation, arrange the tomatoes on a white serving dish and garnish with microgreens and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
- Stacked: Stack the fried tomatoes in layers on a small plate and sprinkle with fresh herbs for a stylish, vertical presentation.
Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe Tips
- Choose the right tomatoes: The success of this recipe hinges on using firm, unripe green tomatoes. Avoid using tomatoes that are starting to ripen or have soft spots.
- Season generously: Don't skimp on seasoning. Make sure your flour and cornmeal mixtures are well-seasoned to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Work in batches: Fry the tomatoes in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure they cook evenly and remain crispy.
- Drain well: Place the fried tomatoes on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil and prevent sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make fried green tomatoes ahead of time?
A: Fried green tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare them ahead of time by breading them and storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Fry them right before serving to keep them crispy.
Q: Can I freeze fried green tomatoes?
A: Yes, you can freeze fried green tomatoes. Fry them, allow them to cool, and then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F until crispy.
Q: What can I serve with fried green tomatoes?
A: Fried green tomatoes pair well with a variety of dishes, including fried chicken, shrimp and grits, or as a sandwich topping. They also go great with dipping sauces like ranch or remoulade.
Q: Can I bake instead of frying?
A: Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the green tomatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the breaded tomatoes on a baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
Fried green tomatoes are a quintessential Southern dish that is easy to make and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, their crispy, tangy flavor is sure to be a hit with family and friends. With a few simple ingredients and a little know-how, you can recreate this classic at home. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on the recipe with different seasonings or dips! Happy cooking!
PrintFried Green Tomatoes Recipe
This fried green tomatoes recipe is a classic Southern dish featuring tangy green tomatoes coated in a crispy, golden breading. Perfect for a savory snack or side dish, it's quick and easy to prepare. Key ingredients include green tomatoes, cornmeal, and flour for a delicious crunch. Great for entertaining or a family meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 medium green tomatoes, sliced
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: flour in the first, whisked eggs and buttermilk in the second, and a mixture of cornmeal, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika in the third.
- Dredge each tomato slice in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat in the cornmeal-breadcrumb mix.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the tomato slices for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use firm, unripe green tomatoes for best results.
- Can be served with ranch, remoulade, or aioli dipping sauces.
- Adjust seasoning to taste or add cayenne for extra heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
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