Crispy Southern-Style Green Fried Tomatoes
Savory, crispy, and delightfully tangy, these Crispy Southern-Style Green Fried Tomatoes are a quintessential dish for anyone with access to a garden. Bearing the flavors of Texas and inspired by family traditions, this recipe transforms unripe green tomatoes into a scrumptious appetizer or side dish. The combination of a golden cornmeal and flour coating, seasoned to perfection with garlic and spices, creates an irresistible crunch, while the tartness of the green tomatoes brings a fresh bite that pairs beautifully with any meal. Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy evenings at home, this dish is a testament to the joys of homegrown ingredients.
4
Servings
170
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour
1/2 cup (Sifted)
Yellow Cornmeal
1/2 cup (Fine)
Eggs
2 (Beaten with salt and pepper)
Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Vegetable Oil
As needed (For frying, heated in an iron skillet)
Green Tomatoes
3 (Sliced)
Salt
To taste (N/A)
Black Pepper
To taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by placing an iron skillet on medium-high heat and adding enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom generously.
2
2. While the oil heats, wash the green tomatoes and slice them to your desired thickness—thicker slices will be juicier, while thinner will become extra crispy.
3
3. In a shallow dish, mix together the sifted flour, yellow cornmeal, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4
4. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
5
5. Dip each tomato slice into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it in the cornmeal-flour mixture. Repeat this step for an extra crispy texture.
6
6. Carefully place the coated tomato slices into the hot oil. Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
7
7. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy, adjusting the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
8
8. Once cooked, remove the fried tomatoes from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Season with additional salt if desired.
9
9. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a side of your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
20g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Southern-Style Green Fried Tomatoes?
They are a quintessential Southern dish made from unripe green tomatoes that are sliced, coated in a seasoned cornmeal and flour mixture, and fried until golden and crispy.
What kind of tomatoes should I use for this recipe?
You must use firm, unripe green tomatoes. Red tomatoes are too soft and watery, which will prevent the coating from staying crispy.
How thick should I slice the green tomatoes?
You can slice them to your preference; thicker slices remain juicier on the inside, while thinner slices become extra crispy.
What is the secret to making fried tomatoes extra crispy?
The secret is double-dipping: dip the tomato slice in the egg mixture, then the cornmeal mixture, and repeat the process for a thicker, crunchier coating.
What type of skillet is best for frying tomatoes?
An iron skillet is recommended because it maintains even heat, which is essential for getting a perfect golden-brown crust.
What ingredients are in the breading mixture?
The breading consists of sifted all-purpose flour, fine yellow cornmeal, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Is this green fried tomato recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses plant-based ingredients and eggs.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 170 calories per serving in this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What oil should I use for frying?
Vegetable oil is used in this recipe, as it has a high smoke point suitable for frying.
How long do I need to fry each side?
Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until they reach a golden brown color.
Should I season the tomatoes after frying?
Yes, it is recommended to remove them from the skillet and season with additional salt immediately while they are still hot.
How do I prevent the tomatoes from being too greasy?
Place the cooked tomatoes on paper towels immediately after removing them from the skillet to drain the excess oil.
Can I use cornmeal only for the coating?
While you can, the 50/50 mix of all-purpose flour and yellow cornmeal provides a better balance of flavor and crunch.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe specifies using sifted flour to ensure a smooth, even coating on the tomatoes.
What should I do if the breading starts to burn?
Adjust the heat of your stove downward. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the tomato is properly heated through.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is savory and tangy, with a hint of garlic and a significant crunch from the cornmeal crust.
How many tomatoes do I need?
You will need 3 medium-sized green tomatoes for this specific recipe.
How should I prepare the eggs?
Beat two eggs in a shallow bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture is smooth.
Can I fry all the tomatoes at once?
No, you should fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make the tomatoes soggy.
What is the primary seasoning used?
Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper are the primary seasonings used in the flour and cornmeal mixture.
Can I serve these with a sauce?
Yes, they are delicious served with your favorite dipping sauce, such as remoulade, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
Is it necessary to wash the tomatoes first?
Yes, you should wash the green tomatoes before slicing them to ensure they are clean.
What are the macronutrients for this dish?
Per serving, there are approximately 8.75g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein.
What makes this a 'Southern-Style' recipe?
The use of yellow cornmeal, an iron skillet, and unripe green tomatoes are traditional elements of Southern and Texas-inspired cooking.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder mixed into the dry ingredients.
Are there any garnishes recommended?
Fresh herbs are an excellent optional garnish to add a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Can I use fine or coarse cornmeal?
Fine yellow cornmeal is recommended for this recipe to ensure the breading sticks well and provides a consistent crunch.
How much flour and cornmeal is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of yellow cornmeal.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is best served immediately while it is still hot and the coating is at its crispiest.