Green Tomatoes, Fried
Crispy fried green tomatoes offer a tangy, crunchy snack or appetizer with a flavorful coating, perfect for those who enjoy bold, savory bites with aSouthern twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse, trim, and cut tomatoes into 1/4-inch slices.
- Beat the egg with milk, salt, and white pepper in a bowl.
- Combine flour, cracker crumbs, and a dash of salt in another bowl.
- Dip tomato slices into the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a heavy skillet.
- Gently cook the coated tomato slices about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drain excess fat on a paper towel before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, consider adding some cornmeal to the flour mixture. If you prefer a lighter coating, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of cracker crumbs. When selecting green tomatoes, choose firm ones that are free of blemishes. If you don't have white pepper, black pepper can be used as a substitute, although it will alter the appearance slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Fried green tomatoes are delicious on their own or served with a dipping sauce, such as ranch or remoulade. They pair beautifully with simply zucchini for a refreshing side. Consider serving them alongside grilled meats or as part of a Southern-inspired meal for an added touch of comfort.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fried green tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Tomatoes, Fried contains roughly 442 calories, with 7g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value), calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 654mg per serving (28% 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 ripe tomatoes can be used, they will be much softer and may not hold their shape during frying. Green tomatoes have a firmer texture and a tart flavor that is key to this dish's success. If you must substitute, choose slightly under-ripe tomatoes.
What oil is best for frying green tomatoes?
Vegetable oil or canola oil works well for frying green tomatoes due to their high smoke points. If you're looking for added flavor, you can also use peanut oil, which imparts a nice nutty taste to the finished dish.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make fried green tomatoes gluten-free, simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the cracker crumbs are also gluten-free, or you can use crushed gluten-free crackers or cornmeal instead for a similar texture.
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).