Fried Green Tomatoes, Country Style
Crispy, golden fried green tomatoes with a savory cornmeal coating, perfect as an appetizer or side dish for a Southern-inspired meal or family gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine egg and milk in a bowl; set aside.
- Mix cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
- Dip tomato slices into the egg mixture, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Arrange the coated tomato slices in a single layer in the skillet.
- Cook until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook until the other side is golden.
- Repeat with remaining slices, adding more oil as needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cornmeal mixture for a subtle kick. If you don't have cornmeal, you can use crushed crackers or breadcrumbs as a substitute. Be sure to slice the tomatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and achieve that perfect golden crust. For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture and use plant-based milk.
Serving Suggestions
Fried green tomatoes are delicious served with a side of remoulade or ranch dressing for dipping. They also pair wonderfully with Southern dishes like shrimp and grits or can be enjoyed as a topping on burgers. For a light meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad or with a slice of Lemon Pie From Scratch for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the fried green tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Green Tomatoes, Country Style contains roughly 443 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (67% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 804mg per serving (35% 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?
Ripe tomatoes will not provide the same tartness and firmness that green tomatoes do, which is essential for this recipe. If you only have ripe tomatoes, they may become too mushy when fried. It's best to stick with firm green tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small pinch of the cornmeal mixture into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying. Maintaining the right temperature is crucial; too low, and the tomatoes will absorb too much oil, while too high can burn them before cooking through.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the coated tomato slices in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to fry them just before serving. If you have leftovers, they can be reheated as mentioned, but they may not retain their original crispness.
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).