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World’s Best Recipe for Fried Green Tomatoes

World’s Best Recipe for Fried Green Tomatoes
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A classic Southern comfort food featuring firm, unripe green tomatoes coated in a perfectly seasoned cornmeal and flour crust, fried to golden, crispy perfection. This dish offers a delightful balance of tartness, crunch, and savory flavor, ideal as a snack, side, or appetizer, ready in under 30 minutes using simple, easy-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4–5 firm, unripe green tomatoes (about 1 lb)
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice for vegan option)
  • 2 large eggs (or flaxseed or chia seed binder for vegan option)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1-2 inches deep in skillet)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Tomatoes: Wash and slice your green tomatoes into thick, even rounds about ¼ to ½ inch thick. This thickness ensures they hold their shape during frying while allowing the coating to crisp up beautifully.
  2. Set Up Your Dredging Station: In one bowl, combine the flour with a good pinch of salt and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk together until smooth. In a third bowl, mix cornmeal with salt, pepper, and optional spices like cayenne or smoked paprika if desired.
  3. Coat the Tomatoes: Dip each tomato slice first in the flour mixture, then into the egg and buttermilk mixture, and finally dredge in the seasoned cornmeal, pressing lightly to ensure a thick, even coating.
  4. Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat, maintaining about 350°F. Fry the coated tomato slices in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  5. Serve Hot: Enjoy your crispy, tangy fried green tomatoes warm for the best flavor and texture, straight from the skillet to your plate.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm green tomatoes to avoid sogginess.
  • Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for even frying and crisp crusts.
  • Fry tomatoes in small batches to prevent overcrowding and temperature drop.
  • For extra crunch, double-dip tomatoes by repeating the egg and cornmeal coating steps.
  • Drain fried tomatoes thoroughly on paper towels or wire racks to remove excess oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried green tomatoes, Southern recipe, crispy fried tomatoes, appetizer, snack, gluten-free fried green tomatoes, vegan fried green tomatoes

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