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Fried Green Tomatoes

A Southern classic of tangy, firm green tomatoes coated in a crispy cornmeal crust and pan-fried until golden. Serve with remoulade or ranch for a quintessential appetizer.

45 minEasyServes 4280 cal/serving

AmericanAppetizerStovetopVegetarianHalal-friendlyLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

  • 4 medium large green tomatoes, sliced 1/4-in thick
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Arrange 4 medium sliced 1/4-in thick large green tomatoes in a single layer and sprinkle both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Let sit 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Set up a breading station: a shallow dish with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, another with 2 beaten large eggs whisked with 1/4 cup buttermilk, and a third with 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper mixed together.

  3. 3

    Working one slice at a time, dredge each tomato in flour (shake off excess), dip in the egg mixture, then press firmly into the cornmeal mixture to coat both sides.

  4. 4

    Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying) in a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F / 175°C).

  5. 5

    Fry tomato slices in batches, without crowding, for 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack or paper-towel-lined plate.

  6. 6

    Season immediately with a pinch of salt and serve hot.

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Questions

How hot should the oil be for Fried Green Tomatoes?

For Fried Green Tomatoes, the frying oil is held at 350 F (about 175 C) in step 4. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy.

How do I know when Fried Green Tomatoes is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until deep golden brown and crispy.

Why pat it dry first in Fried Green Tomatoes?

Step 1 reads: "Let sit 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels." Surface water has to boil off before anything can brown. Drying at step 1 means the food sears in the first minute instead of steaming.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk in Fried Green Tomatoes?

The entry for Fried Green Tomatoes calls for 1/4 cup buttermilk. In its place: Stir a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into a cup of milk and let it stand five minutes. Plain yogurt thinned with milk also works.

Is Fried Green Tomatoes vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 1/4 cup buttermilk and 2 large eggs, beaten. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan appetizer collection.

Serve it with

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