Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe: A Southern Classic That Never Gets Old
Some dishes don’t just taste good — they feel like home. And if you’ve ever had a plate of crispy, golden fried green tomatoes fresh from a cast-iron skillet, you know exactly what we mean.
Fried green tomatoes aren’t just food. They’re a memory. A tradition. A way of turning a garden full of unripe fruit into something mouthwatering. Whether you grew up eating them on your grandma’s porch or discovered them thanks to the iconic 1991 movie, this dish is the perfect blend of tart, crispy, and comforting.
And yes, they’re just as delicious as you remember — or even better if this is your first time trying them.
🍅 What Are Fried Green Tomatoes?
Contrary to what some might think, fried green tomatoes didn’t start as a trendy appetizer — they were a practical, make-something-out-of-nothing solution from Southern kitchens. Green tomatoes are simply unripe tomatoes, firm and tart, which makes them perfect for slicing, breading, and frying. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever waited for them to ripen.
🔥 Classic Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients:
4 to 5 medium green tomatoes
Salt and pepper, to taste
¾ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk
1 cup cornmeal (or a 50/50 mix of cornmeal and breadcrumbs)
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Prep the tomatoes:
Wash and slice tomatoes into ½-inch thick rounds. Lay them on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry.
Set up your dredging station:
Plate 1: Flour (seasoned with a little salt and pepper).
Bowl: Eggs and buttermilk, whisked together.
Plate 2: Cornmeal mix (add garlic powder if using).
Dredge the tomatoes:
Dip each slice in flour, then egg mixture, then coat in cornmeal. Press gently to help it stick.
Fry ‘em up:
Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet (cast iron is best!) over medium heat. When hot, fry tomatoes in batches 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Serve warm:
Enjoy plain, or with a side of ranch dressing, remoulade, or even a drizzle of hot honey.
💡 Tips & Twists
