Fried Green Tomatoes Or Squash
Crispy fried green tomatoes with a flavorful cornmeal coating, perfect as an appetizer or side dish for those who enjoy tangy, savory bites with a crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cornmeal, salt, and black pepper; set aside.
- Combine egg and water; beat well.
- Dip tomato slices in egg mixture and dredge in cornmeal mixture.
- Fry in hot Crisco oil until golden brown and crispy.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cornmeal mixture. If you want a gluten-free option, substitute the cornmeal with almond flour. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that perfect golden brown color; a test slice can help gauge readiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve fried green tomatoes as a delicious appetizer or side dish alongside a refreshing salad or a bowl of buttermilk ranch dressing. They also pair beautifully with Blackberry Frozen Yogurt for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fried green tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Green Tomatoes Or Squash contains roughly 571 calories, with 8g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 493mg per serving (21% 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 ones?
While ripe tomatoes can be used, they will be softer and may not hold up well during frying. Green tomatoes are firmer and have a tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the crispy coating.
What can I use instead of Crisco oil?
You can substitute Crisco oil with vegetable oil, canola oil, or even peanut oil for frying. Each will provide a slightly different flavor, but all will yield a crispy texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Fried green tomatoes are best served fresh, but you can prepare the tomato slices and breading in advance. Just coat them and store them in the fridge until you're ready to fry for a quick and easy meal.
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).