Mary Ann'S Fried Green Tomatoes
Crispy fried green tomatoes with a light batter and a touch of sugar, perfect as an appetizer or side dish for those who enjoy savory and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine self-rising flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper; mix until smooth.
- Add additional milk to thicken if necessary; batter should resemble pancake batter.
- Dip tomato slices into batter, allowing excess batter to drip back into the bowl.
- Sprinkle lightly with sugar on each slice.
- Fry in 2 inches of hot oil in a large heavy skillet until browned, turning one carefully with tongs.
- Transfer fried tomatoes to a colander to drain.
- Stand tomatoes upright instead of stacking to keep them from getting soggy before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, consider using a mix of cornmeal and panko breadcrumbs for the coating. If you prefer a gluten-free option, replace self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Adjust the thickness of the batter by adding more milk as needed to achieve a pancake batter consistency. Be sure to monitor the oil temperature; too hot can burn the tomatoes while too cool may make them greasy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mary Ann's Fried Green Tomatoes as a delightful appetizer or side dish. They pair beautifully with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or remoulade. For a complete meal, enjoy them alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad. You can also use them as a topping for a sandwich or burger for an added crunch and flavor. For more delicious options, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the fried green tomatoes in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again, avoiding the microwave to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary Ann'S Fried Green Tomatoes contains roughly 960 calories, with 15g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 495mg per serving (22% 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 not provide the same tartness and texture that green tomatoes offer. Fried green tomatoes are preferred for their firm texture and slightly sour flavor, which contrasts beautifully with the crispy coating.
What type of oil is best for frying?
For frying, oils with high smoke points such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best. These oils can withstand high temperatures without burning, ensuring your fried green tomatoes get crispy without absorbing too much oil.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken while sitting. However, for optimal crispiness, it's best to fry the tomatoes soon after dipping them.
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).