Description
Southern charm meets crispy delight with Fried Green Tomatoes, a classic dish that brings your taste buds straight to the heart of summer. Grab some unripe tomatoes, coat them in seasoned cornmeal, and fry until golden brown for a crunchy side that screams Southern comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomatoes and Coating:
- 3 green tomatoes
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Eggs and Seasoning:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Cooking:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
- Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over each green tomato slice, ensuring both sides are seasoned evenly.
- Arrange three shallow dishes: first with flour, second with eggs whisked with water, third with combined cornmeal, panko, paprika, and cayenne.
- Thoroughly coat a tomato slice in flour, shaking off excess. Dunk completely in egg mixture, letting drips fall away.
- Roll the egg-covered slice into cornmeal mixture, pressing gently so breading adheres completely. Place on clean plate.
- Pour ½ inch vegetable oil into large skillet. Heat to 375°F over medium-high, watching for slight shimmer and rippling.
- Carefully slide 3-4 breaded tomato slices into hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
- Fry each slice exactly 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp edges develop.
- Remove tomatoes using metal slotted spatula, letting excess oil drain onto paper towel-lined plate.
- Repeat frying process with remaining tomato slices, maintaining consistent oil temperature.
- Serve immediately while crisp and warm, accompanied by preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Pat the tomatoes dry before seasoning to help the coating stick better and create a crispier exterior.
- Use firm, green tomatoes that are completely unripe for the best texture and tangy flavor.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before adding tomatoes to prevent soggy breading.
- If avoiding gluten, swap wheat flour for cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for an equally crispy result.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Fried
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg