Southern fried green tomatoes are a classic dish that brings a taste of the South to your table. These crispy, tangy slices are perfect as an appetizer or a side dish, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The combination of cornmeal and buttermilk creates a crunchy coating that perfectly complements the tartness of the green tomatoes.
If you don't usually have green tomatoes on hand, you may need to visit a farmer's market or a well-stocked supermarket to find them. Buttermilk is another ingredient that might not be in your fridge, but it can be found in the dairy section of most grocery stores. Make sure to get cornmeal as well, which is typically located in the baking aisle.
Ingredients For Southern Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Green tomatoes: Firm and tart, these are the star of the dish.
All-purpose flour: Used to create the base for the coating.
Cornmeal: Adds a crunchy texture to the coating.
Buttermilk: Helps the coating adhere to the tomatoes and adds a slight tang.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and depth.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the tomatoes to a golden brown.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing green tomatoes for frying, ensure they are firm and unripe to maintain their shape and texture during cooking. To achieve a perfectly crispy coating, press the flour mixture firmly onto each tomato slice after dipping in buttermilk. This helps the cornmeal and flour adhere better, resulting in a more even and crunchy exterior. Additionally, maintain a consistent oil temperature by not overcrowding the skillet, which ensures each slice fries evenly and achieves a golden brown color.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
green tomatoes - Substitute with red tomatoes: Use firm, slightly underripe red tomatoes to maintain a similar texture and slight tartness.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with rice flour: Rice flour provides a similar coating and is gluten-free.
cornmeal - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs offer a similar crunch and texture.
buttermilk - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt thinned with a little water or milk can mimic the tangy flavor and consistency of buttermilk.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat and flavor profile.
vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for frying.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How To Store / Freeze This Recipe
Allow the fried green tomatoes to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
Place the cooled tomato slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This ensures they don't stick together.
Flash freeze the tomatoes by placing the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. This step helps maintain their shape and texture.
Once the tomatoes are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
For optimal taste and texture, consume the frozen fried green tomatoes within 2-3 months.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen tomatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
Avoid microwaving the fried green tomatoes as this can make them soggy and lose their crispy texture.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover fried green tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and regain some of their original crispiness.
Use an air fryer for a quick and efficient method. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the fried green tomatoes in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the pan. Place the fried green tomatoes in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and crispy.
If you prefer using a microwave, place the fried green tomatoes on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 30-second intervals until they are heated through. Note that this method may not retain the original crispiness as well as other methods.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Knife: For slicing the green tomatoes into ¼ inch thick slices.
Cutting board: A surface to safely slice the green tomatoes.
Mixing bowl: To mix the flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper together.
Second mixing bowl: To hold the buttermilk for dipping the tomato slices.
Skillet: For heating the vegetable oil and frying the tomato slices.
Tongs: To turn the tomato slices while frying and to remove them from the skillet.
Paper towels: To drain the fried tomato slices and remove excess oil.
Plate: To serve the hot, fried green tomatoes.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Slice the green tomatoes and mix the flour mixture the night before to save time.
Use a deep fryer: A deep fryer can cook multiple tomato slices at once, speeding up the frying process.
Preheat the oil: Ensure the vegetable oil is hot before you start frying to reduce cooking time.
Organize your workspace: Set up a dipping station with buttermilk and flour mixture for efficient coating.
Drain efficiently: Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to drain excess oil quickly and keep the fried tomatoes crispy.
Southern Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 green tomatoes sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Slice the green tomatoes into ¼ inch thick slices.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each tomato slice into buttermilk, then coat with the flour mixture.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the tomato slices in the hot oil until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Nutritional Value
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