Fried Green Tomatoes – Immaculate Bites

Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

If you grow your own tomatoes, you know what happens when the first freeze hits. You’ve got to get all those delicious tomatoes in the house, or you’ll lose them. So here’s the perfect solution to use up all those gorgeous green tomatoes. 

Although the Jews started this recipe, the Southerners have perfected it. Hey, there’s even a movie about it. And, of course, I couldn’t leave the scrumptious recipe alone. My Immafied version has Creole seasoning and cayenne pepper because I like my food spicier.

Recipe Ingredients

The perfect batter makes them crispy and tasty. Luckily, I already cracked the code to create the best-est batter ever. Guaranteed fail-proof and hassle-free, perfect for beginners, too. You’re welcome! 😉  

1. Green Tomatoes – They are firm and crunchy, making them perfect for frying because they can hold their shape without getting soggy or becoming mushy even after frying.
2. All-Purpose Flour – The first coating makes our fried snacks light and crispy and helps the egg mixture stick.
3. Milk and Egg – Besides helping the breadcrumb mixture stick to the tomatoes, they also add a rich and creamy flavor to our fried tomatoes. Or you can use homemade buttermilk to add a nice tang and crunch to the exterior.
4. Cornmeal and Breadcrumbs – They make the final coating responsible for the crunchiness and flavor. 
5. Seasonings – I added Creole seasoning and a dash of cayenne pepper to ramp up the flavor factor on these guys. 😉 But a dash of paprika usually does the trick. 😉 

How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes

Prep the Tomatoes and the Breading

• Cut – Using a serrated knife, cut tomatoes into 1/2-inch thick. You should get about four slices per tomato. 
• Sprinkle with Salt – Sprinkle both sides of the tomatoes with salt and place in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Let it stand for 30 minutes to draw out the moisture (this helps the breading stick better), then gently pat dry with paper towels.
• Prep the Breading – While the salted green tomato slices are resting, place in three separate, shallow bowls or plates: 1) the flour, 2) milk and egg whisked together, and 3) breadcrumbs, cornmeal, Creole seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix the breadcrumbs and cornmeal mixture until thoroughly combined.

Fry the Breaded Tomatoes

• Heat the Oil – Pour vegetable oil into a large cast-iron skillet and place over medium heat. 
• Ready the Process – Create a small assembly line next to your skillet or as close by as possible so you can fry your tomatoes with less mess.
• Dredge – Dredge each tomato slice in flour, then the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture.
• Fry – Carefully place the tomato slices into the hot oil, frying in batches, for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown.
• Drain – Remove the golden fried green tomato slices with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels or a rack to remove excess oil.
• Serve – Sprinkle with green onions if desired and serve hot with a dipping sauce. I served mine with remoulade sauce and hot sauce.

Recipe Variations

1. Red Tomatoes – Of course, you can also use red tomatoes (the firm, not too ripe tomatoes are best) for this recipe. The coating will make the exterior crispy and crunchy while you enjoy the sweeter and juicier center. Simply fantastic!
2. Gluten-Free Version – Substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free counterparts, such as garbanzo flour, brown rice flour, sorghum flour, and almond flour. Voila! Guilt-free fried green tomatoes are on their way. Woohoo!
3. Seasoning Swap – Feel free to add your personal touch to the breading, like making it more herby and garlicky with basil, oregano, and garlic powder. Aside from Creole seasoning, you can add other seasoning blends such as Italian, taco, or all-purpose seasoning.
4. Cheesy Fried Treats – Make them extra fancy by adding a slice of mozzarella on top of the sliced tomato before coating them. Or keep it simple by adding grated parmesan to the breading. Or why not do both? Ah huh! What a brilliant idea, indeed! 

Tips and Tricks

1. Slice the tomatoes in uniform thickness, allowing them to cook at the same rate and make them more aesthetically appealing.
2. Don’t crowd the pan when frying to maintain the oil temperature, ensuring crunchiness. 
3. You can also bake these coated tomatoes to make them guilt-free and healthier while enjoying the same crispiness. Bake them for about 15 minutes in a preheated oven at 375℉/190℃. 

Make-Ahead Instructions

You’re in luck because these babies are easy to make ahead. Just slice and coat the tomatoes as instructed, then line them up on a baking tray and freeze. Once frozen, store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe resealable bag and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, fry them straight from the freezer – no need to thaw. 

Serving and Storage Instructions

These babies are easy to serve. You can enjoy them plain, but I always want mine served with different sauces, depending on my mood.

Storing the leftovers won’t be a problem, either. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can freeze them, too. Put a single layer on a tray and freeze the slices. You can store them in a freezer bag as soon as they’re frozen hard. Take them directly from the freezer to a baking sheet and bake them at 350℉/177℃ for about 15 minutes or until hot and crispy.

You can reheat the leftovers in an air fryer at 350℉/177℃ for about 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Or reheat in a toaster or oven at the same temperature for about 10 minutes or until warm. I don’t recommend the microwave because they get soggy instead of crispy. 

Tip: If you’re a “tomato-sandwich” person, I highly suggest adding fried tomatoes to your sandwiches for an ultimate comfort food experience.

FAQs

What to Serve with Fried Green Tomatoes

These fried tomatoes are already enjoyable on their own, but luscious sauces are always welcome.

1. Remoulade Sauce
2. Tzatziki Sauce
3. Ranch Dressing

You can also enjoy them as a side to these delectable recipes below. 

1. Southern Fried Catfish
2. Cheese Grits
3. Southern Fried Chicken
4. Smokey Mac and Cheese

More Hearty Fried Snacks to Try

1. Fried Pickles
2. Beer-Battered Onion Rings
3. Fried Sweet Plantain
4. Potato Croquettes
5. Fried Okra

Conclusion

Fried snacks are always a crowd-pleaser but undeniably sinful. Are you hungry for more fabulicious recipes? More hearty recipes come your way if you subscribe to my newsletter. Don’t worry; it’s free!