Country-Fried Green Tomatoes
Golden-brown country-fried green tomatoes feature crispy, seasoned slices with a hint of sweetness, perfect as a flavorful appetizer or side dish for comfort-food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle the tomato slices with sugar and let stand for about 15 minutes.
- Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Dip each tomato slice into the flour mixture, coating well.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the coated tomato slices slowly on both sides.
- Remove each batch to an ovenproof platter and keep warm in a low oven until all slices are cooked.
- Add more butter to the skillet if needed.
- For extra crispness, serve the fried green tomatoes as is.
- Optional: Add 1/2 cup light cream or dairy half and half to the skillet, heat while stirring into drippings, then pour over the tomatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, try using cornmeal in place of some of the flour. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. Make sure the butter is hot enough to sizzle when you add the tomato slices, which helps achieve that golden-brown crust. If you want to mix things up, consider serving these with a dipping sauce or alongside a salad, similar to how you might enjoy Grandma'S Vienna Bars.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fried green tomatoes warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color. They pair wonderfully with a tangy remoulade sauce or a creamy ranch dip. For a full meal, consider serving them alongside grilled chicken or fish, or as a side to a hearty salad, making them a delightful addition to any southern-inspired meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fried green tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them soggy. For best results, enjoy them fresh from the skillet.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country-Fried Green Tomatoes contains roughly 103 calories, with 2g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1175mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ripe tomatoes instead of green tomatoes?
While you can use ripe tomatoes, they won't provide the same tartness and firmness that green tomatoes offer. The texture will be softer, and the flavor will be sweeter. If you prefer the taste of ripe tomatoes, consider using a firmer variety to maintain some bite.
What can I use as a gluten-free substitute for flour?
For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch. Both will work well for coating the tomatoes, although they may yield a slightly different texture. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How do I make the tomatoes less acidic?
To reduce the acidity of the tomatoes, you can sprinkle them with salt after slicing and let them sit for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps draw out excess moisture and some acidity. Additionally, serving with a creamy sauce can help balance the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).