Indulge in a Southern classic with our recipe for Fried Green Tomatoes – a dish that embodies the essence of comfort food with a delightful twist. With its crispy exterior and tangy green tomato flavor, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
To start, gather your ingredients, including plump green tomatoes, eggs, milk, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, breadcrumbs, coarse kosher salt, ground black pepper, and vegetable oil for frying. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Begin by slicing the green tomatoes into hearty 1/2-inch thick rounds, ensuring each slice is substantial enough to hold up during the frying process. Discard the ends to ensure uniformity in size and shape, setting the stage for a visually appealing presentation.
Next, prepare the batter by whisking together eggs and milk in a shallow bowl, creating a rich and creamy mixture that will help adhere the coating to the tomatoes. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, breadcrumbs, coarse kosher salt, and ground black pepper, forming a seasoned coating that will provide a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Now, it’s time to coat the tomato slices. Dip each slice into the egg and milk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, before dredging it in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides. This process creates a robust outer layer that will crisp up beautifully when fried to perfection.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan until it reaches the ideal temperature for frying – around 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated tomato slices into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking.
Fry the tomatoes until golden brown and crispy on both sides, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. Once cooked to perfection, transfer the fried green tomatoes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil, allowing them to retain their crispiness and prevent them from becoming greasy.
Serve the fried green tomatoes hot and fresh, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce or condiment for an extra burst of flavor. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or even a standalone snack, these delectable delights are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. So go ahead, indulge in the irresistible allure of Fried Green Tomatoes – a true Southern classic that never fails to delight!
Ingredients
- 4 large green tomatoes
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Wash the green tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Slice the tomatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds, discarding the ends to ensure uniformity.
2. Prepare the Batter:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
3. Prepare the Coating:
- In a separate shallow bowl or plate, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, bread crumbs, coarse kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of seasonings.
4. Coat the Tomatoes:
- Dip each tomato slice into the egg and milk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Dredge the coated tomato slice in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.Press gently to adhere the coating to the tomato.
5. Fry the Tomatoes:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the coated tomato slices into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the tomatoes in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried green tomatoes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve:
- Serve the fried green tomatoes hot and crispy, garnished with a sprinkle of additional salt if desired.
- Enjoy them as a delicious appetizer, side dish, or snack, paired with your favorite dipping sauce or condiment.
7. Optional:
- For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika to the seasoned flour mixture.
- Feel free to experiment with different coatings or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
Now, you’re ready to enjoy the crispy, tangy goodness of these homemade Fried Green Tomatoes!