Craving a Southern classic? Fried Green Tomatoes deliver a crunchy, tangy bite with a golden panko-cornmeal coating and a zesty Cajun remoulade. These Southern fried green tomatoes are simple to make, perfect as an appetizer or side for gatherings. Try this crunchy green tomatoes recipe for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, ideal for quick snacks or sides.
- Bold Flavors: Tangy tomatoes and spicy remoulade pack a punch.
- Extra Crunchy: Panko and cornmeal create a perfect crispy coating.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, side, or sandwich topping.
- Customizable: Easily adapted for gluten-free or vegan diets.
Ingredients for Fried Green Tomatoes
Here’s what you’ll need for these crunchy green tomatoes (serves 4–6):
For the Remoulade Sauce:
- 1¼ cups (300g) mayonnaise
- 2½ tbsp spicy brown mustard
- 1 tbsp sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp (5g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tsp prepared horseradish
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
- 1 tsp dill or sweet pickle juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Tomatoes:
- 3 large firm unripe green tomatoes (~1½ lb, 680g)
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp coarse salt
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
- 1 large egg white
- ½ tsp hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
- ½ cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup (45g) fine white cornmeal
- 1½ cups (360ml) vegetable oil, for frying
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or deep frying pan
- Mixing bowls (for breading station)
- Wire rack
- Paper towels
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Tips
- Tomatoes: Choose firm, unripe green tomatoes for the best tangy flavor.
- Panko: Adds crunch; swap with gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary needs.
- Buttermilk: Use milk with lemon juice or plant-based milk for vegan options.
- Oil: Vegetable oil works well; ensure it reaches 350°F for frying.
- Remoulade: Adjust hot sauce and Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
Directions for Fried Green Tomatoes
Let’s make these crunchy Fried Green Tomatoes!
Prepare the Remoulade
In a mixing bowl, I whisk together 1¼ cups mayonnaise, 2½ tbsp mustard, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp parsley, 2 tsp horseradish, 2 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp pickle juice, 1 tsp hot sauce, 1 grated garlic clove, and black pepper. I chill it in the fridge to let the flavors meld for this Southern fried green tomatoes recipe.
Slice and Salt Tomatoes
I slice 3 green tomatoes into ⅜-inch rounds, sprinkle both sides with coarse salt, and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. I pat them dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
Set Up Breading Station
I prepare three dishes:
- Mix ¾ cup flour, 1½ tsp salt, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Whisk ½ cup buttermilk, 1 egg white, and ½ tsp hot sauce.
- Combine ½ cup panko and ⅓ cup cornmeal.
Bread the Tomatoes
I dip each tomato slice in the flour mix, then the buttermilk mix, and finally the panko-cornmeal mix, pressing gently to coat. I place them on a wire rack to rest for this crunchy Fried Green Tomatoes recipe.
Fry the Tomatoes
In a cast iron skillet, I heat 1½ cups vegetable oil to 350°F. I fry 3–4 slices at a time for 3–5 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels for this Southern fried green tomatoes dish.
Serve
I serve the hot Fried Green Tomatoes with chilled remoulade for dipping, perfect as an appetizer or side.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 35–45 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 (2–3 slices per serving)
- Calories: ~180–200 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 10g carbs, 1g protein, 15g fat, 1g fiber
Variations
Try these twists on this crunchy green tomatoes recipe:
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes.
- Vegan: Swap mayo for plant-based mayo and use almond milk with flaxseed instead of egg.
- Low-Carb: Replace panko and cornmeal with crushed pork rinds.
- Spice Boost: Add cayenne to the flour mix for extra heat in this Southern fried green tomatoes dish.
- Air Fryer: Coat as directed and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes per side.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with a mixed green salad for a light meal.
- Serve with grilled shrimp for a Southern-inspired feast.
- Enjoy with a sweet tea for a classic pairing.
Storage
I store cooked crunchy green tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, I freeze breaded (uncooked) slices in a single layer for up to 2 months. I reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness, or fry frozen slices directly, adding 1–2 minutes per side.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve these Southern Fried Green Tomatoes with a side of remoulade.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with extra parsley or a dash of paprika for flair.
- Pairing: Pair with cornbread or a side salad to complement the crunchy green tomatoes.
- Portion Size: 2–3 slices per person as an appetizer or side.
- Occasions: Ideal for summer gatherings, brunches, or Southern-themed dinners.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about Fried Green Tomatoes:
What tomatoes are best for this dish?
Firm, unripe green tomatoes give the best tangy flavor for this crunchy green tomatoes recipe.
Can I make this Southern fried green tomatoes recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for Fried Green Tomatoes.
How do I keep the coating crispy?
Salt tomatoes for 30 minutes and fry at 350°F for this cozy garlic vegetable soup.
Can I make these crunchy green tomatoes vegan?
Use plant-based mayo and almond milk with flaxseed instead of egg and buttermilk.
What pairs well with this Southern fried green tomatoes dish?
Cornbread, a green salad, or ranch dip complements the flavors.
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes You’ll Love
- Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks
- Air Fryer Eggplant Asian Style
- Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip
- Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Conclusion
Fried Green Tomatoes are a crispy, tangy Southern classic perfect for appetizers or sides. This crunchy green tomatoes recipe is a must-try. Make these Southern fried green tomatoes, share with friends, and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups mayonnaise
- 2½ tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- 1 tablespoon paprika sweet or smoked
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice dill or sweet
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 garlic clove grated
- Black pepper to taste
- 3 large firm unripe green tomatoes about 1½ pounds
- Coarse salt
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg white
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce like Tabasco
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ⅓ cup fine white cornmeal
- 1½ cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all remoulade sauce ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Slice the green tomatoes into ⅜-inch rounds. Sprinkle both sides with coarse salt and let sit for 30 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with the flour, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper; the second with whisked buttermilk, egg white, and hot sauce; and the third with panko bread crumbs and cornmeal.
- Dredge each tomato slice in the flour mixture, then the buttermilk mixture, and finally the panko-cornmeal mixture. Press gently to ensure coating sticks. Set aside on a wire rack.
- In a cast iron skillet, heat oil to 350°F. Fry 3–4 slices at a time for 3–5 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
- Serve hot with chilled Cajun remoulade sauce.
Notes
- Salt the tomatoes first to remove moisture and prevent sogginess.
- Use firm, unripe green tomatoes for best texture and flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute flour and panko with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free mayo and almond milk with flaxseed meal instead of egg.
- You can air fry at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes per side instead of frying in oil.
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