Print

World’s Best Recipe for Fried Green Tomatoes

World’s Best Recipe for Fried Green Tomatoes
Print Recipe

World’s Best Recipe for Fried Green Tomatoes features crispy, golden-breaded slices of firm green tomatoes with a tangy flavor and crunchy texture, perfect as a snack, side dish, or topping. This classic Southern dish uses a double breading technique with simple pantry ingredients to deliver irresistible crunch and balanced seasoning. Easy to make and adaptable, it’s vegetarian friendly and can be modified for gluten-free, baked, or spicy variations.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4–5 firm green tomatoes, sliced about 1/4-inch thick
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice as substitute)
  • Vegetable oil, about 1/2 inch depth for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Tomatoes: Wash the green tomatoes thoroughly. Slice them into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds to ensure even cooking and perfect texture between soft inside and crispy outside.
  2. Set Up Your Breading Stations: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk to create the dipping mixture. In another bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, and any optional spices you desire for the coating.
  3. Dip and Coat: Submerge each tomato slice in the egg and buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off. Then dredge it thoroughly in the cornmeal-flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
  4. Heat and Fry: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat until shimmering (around 350°F). Place tomato slices carefully into the oil without overcrowding the pan and fry each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Drain and Serve: Transfer fried tomatoes to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot for maximum crispness and flavor impact.

Notes

  • Keep tomato slices uniform in thickness (~1/4 inch) for even cooking.
  • Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to avoid soggy or burnt coating.
  • For extra crispiness, double dip the tomatoes in batter and coating.
  • Use fresh green tomatoes and fresh vegetable oil for best flavor.
  • Drain on a cooling rack instead of paper towels to keep crust crispier.
  • Optional: Mix Parmesan cheese with cornmeal for cheesy coating.
  • To make gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix.
  • Vegan adaptation: Use flaxseed or chia seed egg and plant-based milk instead of eggs and buttermilk.

Nutrition

Keywords: Fried green tomatoes, Southern recipe, crispy fried tomatoes, vegetarian appetizer, Southern snack, gluten-free option, tangy fried tomatoes

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/worlds-best-recipe-for-fried-green-tomatoes/