Crispy Beer-Battered Green Tomatoes with Zesty Lemon Dip
Experience a delightful crunch with every bite of these Crispy Beer-Battered Green Tomatoes. This recipe features tart green tomatoes, perfectly seasoned and coated in a light, flavorful beer batter that creates a crispy golden exterior. The added zing of fresh lemon juice enhances the natural flavors, making these fried delights an irresistible appetizer or side dish for any gathering. Whether served hot out of the skillet or shared with friends at a summer barbecue, this dish is sure to impress! Pair them with a zesty lemon dip for even more flavor.
8
Servings
150
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green Tomatoes
2 large (thinly sliced (about 16 slices))
Salt
2 teaspoons (divided)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
All-Purpose Flour
1 cup
Baking Powder
1 1/2 teaspoons
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon
Beer
1/2 cup
Fresh Lemon Juice
1/4 cup
Vegetable Oil
1 cup (for frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by arranging the sliced green tomatoes on a piece of wax paper. Generously season both sides with 1 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper, allowing the flavors to meld.
2
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt. Set aside 1/2 cup of this mixture on another piece of wax paper.
3
Thoroughly coat each tomato slice in the reserved 1/2 cup of flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
4
In the same bowl, whisk together the beer and lemon juice with the remaining flour mixture until a smooth batter forms. Expect some foaming; this is normal.
5
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully dip each floured tomato slice into the beer batter, ensuring they are well coated.
6
Fry the battered tomatoes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side or until they have turned a beautiful golden brown.
7
Once cooked, transfer the fried tomatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8
Keep the finished slices warm in a low-temperature oven while frying the remaining tomatoes.
9
Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy beer-battered green tomatoes, preferably with a zesty lemon dip!
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
10g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Beer-Battered Green Tomatoes?
They are tart green tomato slices coated in a seasoned beer-based batter and fried until golden and crispy.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
How many green tomatoes are required?
You will need 2 large green tomatoes for this recipe.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What ingredients are in the beer batter?
The batter consists of all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, beer, and fresh lemon juice.
How should the green tomatoes be sliced?
The tomatoes should be thinly sliced, producing about 16 slices in total.
Why is beer used in the batter?
Beer helps create a light, airy, and exceptionally crispy exterior when fried.
Is it normal for the batter to foam?
Yes, some foaming is expected when you whisk the beer and lemon juice into the flour mixture.
What type of oil should I use for frying?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of vegetable oil for frying.
How long do I need to fry each tomato slice?
Fry each slice for about 3 minutes on each side or until they reach a golden brown color.
How do I prepare the tomatoes before battering?
Arrange the slices on wax paper and season both sides with 1 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper.
What is the purpose of dredging the tomatoes in flour first?
Coating the slices in a reserved portion of the flour mixture helps the wet batter adhere better to the tomato.
Can I keep the tomatoes warm while cooking in batches?
Yes, you can keep the finished slices warm in a low-temperature oven while you finish frying the remaining batches.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 11 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein do these provide?
Each serving provides 2 grams of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How do I remove excess oil after frying?
Transfer the fried tomatoes directly to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
What kind of sauce pairs well with this dish?
A zesty lemon dip is highly recommended to complement the flavors.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it is shimmering before adding the tomatoes.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 distinct ingredients required for this recipe.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This is categorized as a Vegetable dish and is often served as an appetizer.
Is this a traditional southern dish?
Yes, fried green tomatoes are a staple of southern cuisine.
How much lemon juice is needed for the batter?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.
How much beer is needed for the batter?
You will need 1/2 cup of beer for the batter mixture.
Can I overcrowd the skillet while frying?
No, it is important to fry in batches to ensure even cooking and maintain oil temperature.
What leavening agents are used?
The recipe uses both 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
Should I serve these hot or cold?
These are best enjoyed immediately while they are hot and crispy.
How much salt is used in total?
A total of 2 teaspoons of salt is used, divided between seasoning the tomatoes and the flour mixture.
What is the texture of the finished tomatoes?
They have a crispy golden exterior and a tender, tart interior.
Is this suitable for a party?
Yes, they are described as an irresistible appetizer and great party food.