Fried green tomatoes are a beloved Southern dish that offers a delightful blend of tangy and crispy flavors. Perfect as an appetizer or a side dish, these golden-fried tomatoes are a treat for the taste buds. This recipe combines the tanginess of green tomatoes with a perfectly seasoned, crispy coating. Let’s explore how to make this delicious Southern classic that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 large green tomatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
- 3/4 cup self-rising yellow cornmeal
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp whole buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil for frying, adding extra if required
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Start by washing the green tomatoes and slicing them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Set them aside on a paper towel to drain any excess moisture.
2. Set Up the Dredging Station: In three separate shallow bowls, set up your dredging station. In the first bowl, place 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the self-rising yellow cornmeal, seasoned salt, granulated garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and freshly ground black pepper. In the third bowl, beat the eggs with the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, whole buttermilk, and hot sauce until well combined.
3. Coat the Tomatoes: Dredge each tomato slice first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, press the tomato slice into the cornmeal mixture, covering it completely. Repeat this process for all the tomato slices.
4. Fry the Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated tomato slices into the skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the tomatoes for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain and Serve: Once fried, transfer the tomatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve the fried green tomatoes hot, with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Conclusion
These crispy fried green tomatoes are a true taste of Southern comfort. The tangy green tomatoes paired with the flavorful, crunchy coating create a delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side, or even a snack, these fried green tomatoes are sure to be a hit. Enjoy this delightful Southern classic and savor every bite of its crispy, tangy goodness.