old fashioned southern fried green tomatoes recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best old fashioned southern fried green tomatoes recipe

I’ve always been a fan of traditional Southern cuisine, and one of my favorite dishes is fried green tomatoes. There’s something about the combination of crispy exterior and tangy interior that just hits the spot every time. I remember my grandmother used to make this dish for family gatherings, and it was always a hit with the kids.

They loved helping her slice the tomatoes and dredge them in flour. As for me, I love the way the flavors all come together – the sweetness of the tomatoes, the savory flavor of the seasoning, and the crunch of the fried coating. It’s a perfect recipe for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a Tuesday night.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Just slice some green tomatoes, dredge them in flour, and fry them up in some hot oil.

You can serve them as a side dish or use them as a topping for burgers or sandwiches. My family loves this recipe so much that we’ve even started making it on Sundays just because. We’ll have it with some scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast, or as a snack with some chips and dip.

It’s just one of those recipes that never fails to put a smile on our faces.

Old Fashioned Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

4.9 from 672 votes

A classic Southern dish featuring crispy fried green tomatoes with a tangy twist. Perfect as a side or appetizer, this recipe is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Tomato Slices

4 large green tomatoes
salt

For the Cornmeal Batter

1 1/2 cups cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg

For Frying

vegetable oil
pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Slice the green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
2Sprinkle both sides of the tomato slices with salt.
3Place them in a single layer on a plate and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
4After 10 minutes, blot the slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
5In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
6In a separate bowl, beat the buttermilk and egg together.
7Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
8The batter should be slightly lumpy.
9Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed skillet to 350°F.
10Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
11While the oil is heating, dip each tomato slice into the cornmeal batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
12Shake off any excess batter.
13Carefully place the battered tomato slices into the hot oil using tongs.
14Fry the tomatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
15Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the batter is golden brown and crispy.
16Remove the fried green tomatoes from the oil using tongs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
17Sprinkle with a pinch of pepper.
18Serve the fried green tomatoes hot, with your favorite dipping sauce, such as remoulade or ranch dressing.
19Enjoy this Southern classic immediately for the best texture and flavor.

🔧Equipment

Cutting board
Sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Paper towels
Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet with deep-fry thermometer
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

I love serving these fried green tomatoes at family gatherings because they’re easy to make in bulk and everyone loves them. You can store leftover fried green tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months.

Reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes or until crispy again. Some ideas for serving include using them as a topping for burgers or sandwiches, adding them to salads or soups, or serving them as a side dish with some scrambled eggs or bacon.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

Q: What is the difference between green tomatoes and regular tomatoes?

Green tomatoes are unripe tomatoes that have not yet reached their full red color. They are typically firmer and more bitter than ripe tomatoes, but they make a great substitute in recipes like this one.

Q: Can I use any type of oil for frying?

No, you should only use neutral-tasting oils like vegetable or canola oil for frying. Olive oil has too strong of a flavor and will overpower the dish.

Q: How do I know when my fried green tomatoes are done?

You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides. If you’re worried about burning them, you can always check by cutting into one to see if it’s cooked through.

Q: Can I make fried green tomatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make fried green tomatoes ahead of time by slicing them and letting them sit in cold water for up to an hour before frying.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk for the batter?

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow it to curdle before using it in place of buttermilk.

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