Enjoy a taste of classic Southern cuisine with this easy-to-follow Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe.
I had my first taste of fried green tomatoes while visiting my cousins in Georgia way back in the mid-1990s. We had just spent the evening enjoying rides at a local fair and decided to stop for a bite at one of the many tempting food stands. While everyone opted for things like corn dogs or boiled peanuts, I simply had to try the fried green tomatoes. Not because I loved tomatoes so much, but because I loved the movie Fried Green Tomatoes, which had come out in 1991. With its bold characters, the movie is a great tale about women claiming their own power and agency. It even coined a word, “Towanda,” which is used in both the story and by the narrator at different moments of empowerment. As part of the story, two of the women run a café that serves, among other things, fried green tomatoes. I lived in New Jersey back then, and fried green tomatoes weren’t something we’d often see. So when I spotted them on that food stand’s menu, the decision was easy.
While I’m not positive about the recipe those fictional women used in the movie, I’d bet some money that it was pretty close to the recipe we’re sharing here. With their satisfying crunch and tart zing, these fried green tomatoes clearly deserve top billing. Now, go and cook some up, find the movie on Netflix, and enjoy the afternoon. If anyone interrupts, smile kindly and say, “Towanda.”
Tips and tricks for the perfect fried green tomatoes
A perfect fried green tomato is truly a culinary masterpiece. In order to achieve the best results possible, make sure you use firm, unripe, completely green tomatoes. After coating the tomatoes as instructed in step three, place them on a wire rack for a few minutes before frying. When frying, you’ll also want to ensure you keep your oil temperature around 350-375°F. If it’s too cold, the tomatoes will absorb too much oil and turn out unpleasantly greasy, and if it’s too hot, they can burn before completely cooking. As soon as the slices come out of the hot oil, season them with flaky sea salt. And finally, a word of warning: These are fiercely hot. Give them a minute to cool down before taking a bite, otherwise you’ll risk burning your mouth!
How do I store leftovers?
Though like most fried foods, fried green tomatoes are best freshly made, once cooled, leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Bear in mind, however, that their texture will be slightly affected. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes. Don’t use the microwave, unless you want your tomatoes to turn into mush!
Serving suggestions
These fried green tomatoes make an excellent appetizer, especially with a nice dip such as this Easy Blue Cheese Dip or our creamy French Onion Dip. They’re also a great companion to a spread with other state fair classics like Corn Dogs and Fried Oreos. My favorite way to eat them, however, is in a sandwich made with Sourdough Bread and a touch of our Delicious Pimento Cheese. A glass of Southern Sweet Tea, and I’m back in Georgia!
Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large green tomatoes
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups vegetable oil
Instructions
- Wash your tomatoes and cut them into ½-inch wheels.
- In three different bowls, get the coatings ready. Place the flour in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk the half-and-half and eggs. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, cornstarch, and salt.
- Coat each wheel of tomato in the flour, then in the whisked eggs and half-and-half. Repeat once more, and then dip into the breadcrumb mix.
- Pour the oil into a heavy pot and once it's hot (see our tips) fry the tomatoes for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown. You may need to do this in several batches, as you do not want to overcrowd the pan. Allow the slices to drain on paper towel before serving.
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