🍅 Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
🍽️ Servings: 4
⏱️ Total Time: ~30 minutes
🧂 Ingredients
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3–4 medium green tomatoes (firm, unripe)
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar)
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1 large egg
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup cornmeal (yellow or white)
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko or fine dry)
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1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
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1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for kick)
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Vegetable oil (for frying — canola, peanut, or vegetable)
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep the Tomatoes:
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Slice green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
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Lay them on paper towels and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out moisture.
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Pat dry with more paper towels.
2. Set Up a Breading Station:
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In one shallow bowl, mix flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
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In a second bowl, beat egg with buttermilk.
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In a third bowl, mix cornmeal, breadcrumbs, paprika, and cayenne.
3. Bread the Tomatoes:
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Dredge each slice first in the flour, then dip into the buttermilk-egg mixture, then coat with the cornmeal-breadcrumb mix.
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Place coated slices on a tray or rack to rest for a few minutes before frying.
4. Fry the Tomatoes:
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In a heavy skillet (cast iron is ideal), heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium heat.
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Once the oil is hot (350°F or shimmering), carefully add tomato slices in batches. Do not overcrowd.
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Fry 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp.
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Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
5. Serve:
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce — popular options include:
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Ranch dressing
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Remoulade
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Comeback sauce
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Spicy aioli
✅ Tips:
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Want extra crunch? Double-dip: flour → egg wash → flour again → egg wash → final coating.
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Keep them warm in a 200°F oven if frying in batches.
Would you like a dipping sauce recipe to go with it?