Southern Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Crispy on the outside with a tender, tangy bite on the inside, these Southern Fried Green Tomatoes are a perfect blend of bold Southern flavors and satisfying textures. This iconic dish makes a tasty appetizer, snack, or even a unique side dish! Paired with a Spicy Southern Remoulade Sauce, this easy fried green tomatoes recipe brings a delightful crunch and a subtle kick, ideal for any occasion.

Classic Fried Green Tomatoes with a Southern Twist

Fried Green Tomatoes are all about that golden, crunchy crust that hugs a slice of firm, tangy green tomato. With a blend of panko breadcrumbs, spices, and a buttery pan-fry, each bite bursts with flavor while staying wonderfully juicy inside. Perfect for sharing or savoring as a quick snack, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving that classic Southern taste.

An Appetizer with a Little Heat

To add a bit of spice to these tomatoes, the remoulade sauce brings a rich, zesty touch. With ingredients like Creole mustard, cayenne, and hot sauce, it complements the tangy tomatoes beautifully, elevating every crispy bite.

Simple, Yet Packed with Flavor

This recipe keeps it simple by using ingredients like panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and a few pantry spices. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Southern recipes or just looking to try something new, these fried green tomatoes will not disappoint. So let’s get started!

Ingredients for Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

For the perfect batch of fried green tomatoes, here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients you’ll need:

• Green Tomatoes – Select firm, unripe green tomatoes for the best texture. You’ll need about six medium-sized tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds for even cooking.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the first coating layer, giving the tomatoes a light initial crust.
• Cayenne Pepper – Adds a gentle heat to the coating, making the flavor extra bold.
• Smoked Paprika – Infuses a subtle smokiness, balancing the spices with a rich undertone.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Adds savory depth, bringing out the natural tang of the tomatoes.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Enhances and balances all the flavors in the coating.
• Eggs & Milk – Creates a binding mixture for the flour and panko to adhere to each slice for a perfect crust.
• Panko Breadcrumbs – These light, flaky crumbs give an extra crispy exterior that traditional breadcrumbs can’t match.
• Butter & Olive Oil – A combination of butter and olive oil provides a flavorful, golden-brown crust with just the right amount of richness.

Spicy Southern Remoulade Sauce Ingredients

This creamy, zesty sauce complements the fried green tomatoes perfectly, giving each bite a Southern-inspired kick:

• Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of the sauce, providing the perfect consistency.
• Creole or Spicy Brown Mustard – Adds tanginess with a touch of spice, essential for Southern remoulade.
• Lemon Juice – Balances the creaminess with a bit of acidity.
• Hot Sauce – A Southern staple that adds heat and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic & Capers (minced) – Boosts the flavor profile with a tangy, slightly briny twist.
• Worcestershire Sauce – A touch of umami that deepens the flavor, making it bold and rich.
• Smoked Paprika – Complements the heat of the cayenne pepper and adds a hint of smoky warmth.
• Kosher Salt & Cayenne Pepper – Enhances the seasoning and adds an optional level of spiciness.

How to Make Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

These fried green tomatoes are simple to make and even easier to enjoy! Follow these steps for that classic Southern crunch:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes – Slice each tomato into 1/4-inch rounds and set aside. This thickness gives the perfect balance of tender tomato inside and crispy coating outside.
2. Mix the Coating Ingredients – In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Set this seasoned flour aside as the first step of dredging.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash – In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. This will help the panko breadcrumbs adhere for extra crispiness.
4. Set Up the Panko – Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a third shallow bowl. Now you’re ready to start dredging and frying!
5. Heat the Skillet – In a large, nonstick skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. This combination ensures a golden, flavorful crust on each tomato slice.
6. Dredge the Tomatoes – Coat each tomato slice in the flour mixture first, then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat with panko crumbs. This triple-layer coating locks in flavor and texture.
7. Fry the Tomatoes – Place the breaded tomato slices in the skillet in a single layer. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Work in batches as needed to avoid overcrowding.
8. Drain and Keep Warm – Transfer the fried tomatoes to a cooling rack to drain any excess oil. To keep them warm while finishing the remaining slices, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment in a 275°F oven.

Making the Spicy Southern Remoulade Sauce

For a flavorful dipping sauce, this quick remoulade will add the perfect finishing touch:

1. Combine the Ingredients – In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Creole mustard, lemon juice, hot sauce, minced garlic, minced capers, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper.
2. Chill the Sauce – Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and enhances the tangy, spicy notes.

Serve the tomatoes hot with a side of spicy remoulade for dipping, and enjoy every crispy bite!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

Achieving that classic, golden-brown crunch on the outside with a juicy, tangy interior takes a few key tips. Here’s how to ensure your fried green tomatoes turn out perfectly every time:

1. Choose Firm, Unripe Green Tomatoes
   For the best results, use green tomatoes that are firm to the touch. Soft tomatoes won’t hold up to the frying process, so look for unripe tomatoes with a slightly tart flavor and dense texture.
2. Get the Oil Temperature Right
   Heat the oil and butter mixture to medium, ensuring it’s hot enough to produce a sizzle when the tomatoes are added. This step is essential for that golden, crispy crust without soaking up too much oil. Too low, and the tomatoes absorb the oil; too high, and they can burn quickly.
3. Use a Three-Step Dredging Process
   To get a truly crispy, flavorful coating, dredge each tomato slice in the flour, then the egg wash, and finally the panko. This triple-coating method locks in flavor and gives each slice a satisfyingly crunchy exterior.
4. Fry in Batches
   Fry the tomatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy, unevenly cooked tomatoes. Give each tomato slice enough room to cook evenly on both sides.
5. Keep Cooked Tomatoes Warm
   To keep your fried tomatoes warm and crisp, place them on a baking sheet in a 275°F oven while you finish frying the remaining batches. This way, they stay perfectly crispy until you’re ready to serve.
6. Serve with Chilled Remoulade Sauce
   The spicy Southern remoulade sauce pairs beautifully with the fried tomatoes. Prepare it ahead of time and chill it so that it’s ready to serve cold. The creamy, tangy sauce is the perfect complement to the crispy, savory tomatoes.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover fried green tomatoes, here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:

• In the Fridge: Store any remaining fried green tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that they’re best enjoyed fresh, as the coating may lose some of its crispiness when stored.
• Reheating: To reheat, arrange them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp.

Freezing Fried Green Tomatoes

You can also freeze fried green tomatoes for future enjoyment:

1. Freeze on a Tray: Place the cooked, cooled tomatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer, and freeze until solid.
2. Transfer to a Bag: Once frozen, transfer the tomatoes to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
3. Reheat from Frozen: Reheat directly from frozen by baking in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated and crispy.

Enjoy these fried green tomatoes warm, fresh out of the skillet, or save a few for later – they’ll make a perfect appetizer, snack, or side dish any day of the week!

Print