Fried Green Tomatoes – Simple, classic and absolutely delicious. The crunchy golden batter of this fried green tomatoes recipe is the epitome of Southern charm and cuisine.
This is one of the best southern appetizers ever made! It along other fantastic southern appetizers like fried okra and fried chicken gizzards really wet your appetite! This Southern fried green tomatoes recipe is simple and so delicious. It allows the green tomato flavor to shine through but marries the tomatoes with a fantastic golden breading that crunches every single time you take a bite.
WHAT DO FRIED GREEN TOMATOES TASTE LIKE?
Long before “Fried Green Tomatoes” was a feature film, it was a culinary staple in my household while growing up. I actually didn’t start eating them until I became a preteen, saw the movie and got curious of how they tasted since so many of my family members loved them. With that first bite, I learned they’re crunchy on the outside and soft and slightly tangy in the middle. They simply tasted divine to me even at the age of eleven.
WHY FRY GREEN TOMATOES INSTEAD OF RED?
During my first encounter with fried green tomatoes, I asked my mom why people fry the green tomatoes instead of the red. She told me that the red ones were too ripe, soft and seedy; they simply do have the right texture to sustain the frying process.
PICKING GREEN TOMATOES FOR FRYING
The first step to great fried green tomatoes is picking the right tomatoes. You want a full sized tomato that is firm, not hard to the touch. I prefer a totally green color to the tomato, but you might want to choose a tomato that has a slight hint of yellow. This might insure that the tomato is at its full size and not ripe yet.
HOW TO MAKE FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
First compile all your ingredients necessary to making this outstanding dish:
- Green tomatoes
- Salt
- Pepper
- All-purpose flour
- Large eggs
- Panko bread crumbs
- Yellow cornmeal
- Cooking oil (canola or vegetable)
- Paprika (optional)
You’ll spend the majority of your time prepping your tomatoes: cutting them into 1/4-inch slices, seasoning them with salt and pepper and then dipping them into the fried green tomato batter.
FRIED GREEN TOMATO BATTER
Set up three different small bowls: one containing only your all-purpose flour, the second with your eggs which you must whip together like your making scrambled eggs and the last one with a mixture of your panko bread crumbs, yellow cornmeal and paprika. Dredge each sliced tomato into the flour on both sides, then coat with the egg mixture on both sides and cover the entire tomato slice with the panko crumbs, cornmeal and paprika. Set aside on a baking sheet until you’re ready to start frying!
HOW LONG TO FRY YOUR TOMATOES
In a large cast iron skillet, heat your canola or vegetable oil on medium high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350° F. Carefully add each tomato slice into the oil and cook until golden brown on both sides. Drain excess oil by placing them on paper towel.
GOT SOGGY GREEN TOMATOES?
If your fried green tomatoes come out soggy, that means your cooking oil was not hot enough. Try the recipe again using a thermometer to make sure the oil reaches 350° F.
So what are you waiting for, hurry out and get some green tomatoes! No procrastination necessary when this recipe is waiting on you.
MORE INCREDIBLE FRIED RECIPES
- I’m seriously in love with this chicken fried steak recipe! It is one of my most popular recipe. This Country fried steak is gold!
- Fried fish is the best, and this Fish and Chips recipe is amazing!
- If you love buttermilk fried chicken, this one will be your fave!
- These Salmon Croquettes are perfect for an easy Southern meal.
- I love some fried shrimp! This fried shrimp recipe is the best!
- Love fried catfish? This oven fried catfish will blow your mind.
- And for a side dish? These fried onion rings are incredible!
- If you love a good fish fry, I will teach you the best way to fry fish!
*Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating and leave comments below!*
Southern Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Simple, classic and absolutely delicious. The crunchy golden batter of this fried green tomatoes recipe is the epitome of Southern charm and cuisine.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Southern
Keyword: classic recipe, comfort food, tomatoes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 146 kcal
Ingredients
- 3 fresh green tomatoes cut into 1/4 inch slices
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten with 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup panko crumbs
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon paprika optional- go up to 1/4 teaspoon if you like spicy foods
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Liberally season green tomato slices with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Add flour and eggs to two separate small bowls.
- Combine cornmeal, panko crumbs and paprika into another small bowl and whisk together.
- Begin by dipping each seasoned tomato slice into flour coating on both sides.
- Next add floured tomato slice to eggs coating on both sides.
- Lastly dip into cornmeal and crumb mixture and set aside finished slice on baking sheet.
- Repeat dredging process, starting with flour, until all slices are coated.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium high heat.
- Fry tomato slices on both sides until golden brown and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
If your fried green tomatoes come out soggy, that means your cooking oil was not hot enough. Try the recipe again using a thermometer to make sure the oil reaches 350° F.
Nutrition Facts
Southern Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 146 Calories from Fat 18
% Daily Value*
Fat 2g3%
Cholesterol 62mg21%
Sodium 69mg3%
Potassium 212mg6%
Carbohydrates 24g8%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 505IU10%
Vitamin C 14.4mg17%
Calcium 26mg3%
Iron 1.7mg9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Q says
August 11, 2019 at 3:07 pmI always wanted to try these but never knew where to find the green tomatoes.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
August 12, 2019 at 7:27 amThey are in season now! Try your grocery store or your farmer’s market. You will love them.
Joyce says
July 20, 2019 at 7:44 pmI made this recipe with both the pankco and Italian bread crumbs. I prefer the Italian crumbs. They seem to stay on the tomatoes better and the flavor is great.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
July 22, 2019 at 8:43 amWonderful!
Macy Brown From MakeTheBread says
June 17, 2019 at 6:19 amFabulous..this looks soo tasty & sound soo yummy, i will trying to making this in this weekend..Thanks for sharing…keep shared your new amazing recipes…!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 18, 2019 at 9:01 pmThank you so so much Macy!
Francis says
November 28, 2018 at 10:38 pmTried the recipe with my Grandma over the weekend and we loved it! Thanks so much!!!
CARLA MARIE KAUFMAN says
August 25, 2018 at 5:57 pmGreat recipe! I experimented and used soy flour and smoked paprika. I was very pleased with the result.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
September 10, 2018 at 7:48 pmOh wonderful!!!
Freddie says
August 18, 2018 at 10:04 amSuper delicious! I loved these!
Chef and Steward says
July 18, 2014 at 3:25 pmFunny enough, just fried green tomatoes for dinner tonight then I come by and see this. Great minds think alike.
Ashley @ My Midwest Table says
July 11, 2014 at 11:01 pmI’ve never had fried green tomatoes! Pretty sure I need to change that, don’t I? 🙂
Amy says
July 3, 2014 at 11:46 pmOne of my favorite summer dishes!!! Yum, yum, yum!!1
Jocelyn@Brucrewlife says
July 3, 2014 at 8:32 pmThese look so crispy and delicious!! Love this classic! 🙂
Lindsay @ Life, Love and Sugar says
July 3, 2014 at 9:17 amYes! They look amazing!
Monica says
July 1, 2014 at 9:51 amIt’s crazy but I’ve never had fried green tomatoes either though I’ve admired them on my TV set! Yours looks so crispy and dry – as in a very good, perfectly fried way. Gotta be so delish.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
July 1, 2014 at 2:41 pmYes Monica they were so perfect and delish! Girlfriend you must try them!
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says
June 30, 2014 at 9:22 pmDo I dare say I’ve never had a Fried Green Tomato?! These look amazing. I so need to try them!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
July 1, 2014 at 12:04 amYes you totally must! They are so perfect!
marcie says
June 30, 2014 at 12:59 pmI’ve never had fried green tomatoes, and I’m clearly missing out. These look delicious, and that breading looks so crispy and golden brown! Love it.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 30, 2014 at 1:30 pmOh thanks so much Marcie! That breading was everything!
Consuelo - Honey & Figs says
June 30, 2014 at 9:48 amI’ve never seen green tomatoes here in Spain, which is a pity since I’d love to try these! That breading does look delicious, for sure! 😉
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 30, 2014 at 9:58 amOh yes they are so fantastic Consuelo! But no worries, you have some fantastic foods in Spain for sure!
Ashton says
June 30, 2014 at 8:51 amYum! I just tried fried green tomatoes for the first time last week— so yummy! Pinned 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 30, 2014 at 9:05 amOh wow Ashton! I hope you loved them as much as I do! thanks for the pin!
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
June 30, 2014 at 7:45 amI have always wanted to try fried green tomatoes! I am going to have to give this recipe a shot! 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 30, 2014 at 9:05 amIndeed Renee, so easy too!
Krystle(Baking Beauty) says
June 29, 2014 at 10:41 pmI’ve never had them either. I’ve always been curious since I read the book Fried Green Tomatoes. Dying to try these this summer!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 30, 2014 at 9:04 amOh yes they are so awesome!! Can’t wait to hear if you try some this summer Krystle!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
June 29, 2014 at 8:08 pmI’ve never had fried green tomatoes – but now I reallllllly want some!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 30, 2014 at 9:03 amGosh now I am craving them again!
Akaleistar says
June 29, 2014 at 6:58 pmI need to try these! They look so good 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 30, 2014 at 8:59 amThey are so delish and super simple to make too!
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says
June 29, 2014 at 3:55 pmI LOVE fried green tomatoes. . and yes, I first heard about this from the movie. . but since then, I have made this with both red and green tomatoes. . love love love!!!
Laura Dembowski says
June 29, 2014 at 1:58 pmI have only had fried green tomatoes once, but I loved them! These look incredible, Jocelyn!
Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes says
June 29, 2014 at 11:10 amThese look so tasty Jocelyn!! I’ve never tried fried green tomatoes but I really need to!!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 29, 2014 at 11:21 amOh gosh they are so delightful Jessica! I think you would love them!
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
June 29, 2014 at 7:03 amI have seen and heard about these fried green tomatoes for the past 3 years of my blogging, but I haven’t had a chance to eat or cook yet. This was a very nice reminder. 🙂 I like everything fried, and tomatoes are my favorite vegetable too, so this is REALLY my top list to make.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 29, 2014 at 10:25 amYes Nami, you should try it and give it your perfect touch!
Manasi Kumar says
June 28, 2014 at 4:21 pmI’ve been wondering what I could do with them, they’ve been on supermarket shelves recently – will give it a go!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 29, 2014 at 10:22 amHooray you totally should!
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting says
June 28, 2014 at 12:31 pmI tried fried green tomatoes for the first time in Miami. Not my usually pick but they were pretty good!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 28, 2014 at 12:38 pmOh nice! Yeah Julianne I am so glad you tried them!
Mary Frances says
June 28, 2014 at 12:28 pmA classic favorite! I never thought I would like fried tomatoes … wrong! The panko is a delicious addition!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 28, 2014 at 12:38 pmOh yeah! They make me so happy now!
Veronica says
June 28, 2014 at 9:47 amThanks for sharing I can’t wait to try this recipe… I love Fried Green Tomato slices with bleu cheese, topped with lump
crabmeat and a Balsamic reduction.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 28, 2014 at 12:32 pmYes fried green tomatoes are seriously the best thing ever!
Candy says
August 15, 2018 at 6:17 amWow that sounds so yummy.