The absolute best recipe for easy fried green tomatoes! Plus, tips on where to buy green tomatoes and the perfect batter for a perfectly crunchy coating!
WHAT ARE GREEN TOMATOES?
Many assume green tomatoes are their own plant species, but they're actually just the same as red tomatoes...only they haven't quite ripened yet. This is why they are tart, firm, and absolutely perfect for frying.
WHERE TO BUY FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
You don't have to have your own garden to fry up a batch of easy fried green tomatoes. In fact, most grocery stores will keep them stocked near the ripened tomatoes in summer months. However, you will have difficulty finding them throughout the other three-quarters of the year. This is most definitely a seasonal summer delicacy.
HOW TO MAKE EASY FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
Fried green tomatoes are easy to make. You'll begin by slicing them into rings just over a ¼" thick, and soaking the rings in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce.
WHY USE BUTTERMILK
Using a buttermilk soak not only adds flavor to the interior of the fried green tomatoes but also helps the batter to stick without having to use an egg wash. Like we said, these are easy fried green tomatoes.
THE BEST FRIED GREEN TOMATO BATTER
There are quite a few Southerners out there who would call for a cornmeal batter and a cornmeal batter alone. However, we must politely object.
Using flour in the mixture softens the bite, and makes for a less chewy and more pleasing crunchy exterior. We also use this perfect combo to whip up a delectable batch of Southern Fried Squash! To flavor the batter, use a secret weapon -- smoked paprika. Smoked paprika adds flavor to any dish, and is the perfect subtle spice to take fried green tomato batter to the next level.
The tomatoes go from the buttermilk and into the dry-mix batter, then it's off to the oil for frying.
USE CANOLA OIL FOR FRYING
Canola oil is a truly flavorless oil (unlike vegetable oil) with a high smoke point and is my go-to oil for frying.
Surprisingly, Fried Green Tomatoes cook just as fast as Fried Okra, requiring only 1 ½ - 2 minutes to cook through! As soon as the batter becomes a golden brown, your tomatoes are ready to be removed from the oil and served.
TIPS FOR FRYING
If frying intimidates you in general, here's a tip for success: It's all about the temperature of the oil.
There is one very accurate way to take the temperature of the oil, and that is to use a thermometer. Because we are shallow frying the fried green tomatoes, I use an infrared thermometer, but you could also use the probe of any thermometer as long as you take care not to touch it to the bottom of the pan.
If you don't have (or want) to use a thermometer, you could also try the flour test: Sprinkle a pinch of flour into the oil. If when the flour hits the oil, it barely sizzles or does nothing at all, your oil is not hot enough. If when you add the flour, it sizzles up and puts off a burnt smell, your oil is too hot.
TIS THE SEASON FOR GREEN TOMATOES
When summer rolls around, there's no time to waste. It's fried green tomato season, and sadly, it's short-lived, so we must take full advantage.
Whether you're working with homegrown or storebought green tomatoes, with a recipe this easy, there's really no reason for them to remain a restaurant treat. And, if you really want to give the restaurants a run for their money, top off fried green tomatoes with sauce like homemade ranch dressing, try my zingy roasted red pepper dressing (created especially for this dish) or even a remoulade.
Homemade is guaranteed to be just as good (if not even better) than any restaurant serving them up this summer. Please, enjoy!
Easy Fried Green Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cup buttermilk
- 4 dashes hot sauce
- 4 green tomatoes, sliced just over a ¼" thick
- 1 ½ cup canola oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup fine cornmeal
- 1 ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add the buttermilk and hot sauce to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Add the tomato slices and soak for about 20 minutes.
- In a breading tray or shallow container, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, paprika, and pepper. Set aside until ready to use.
- Add the oil to a skillet over medium-high heat and allow to come to temperature, between 350°-375°.
- Shake off any dripping buttermilk from the tomatoes, and dredge completely in the dry batter. Carefully add to the oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan and frying in batches as needed. Cook the tomatoes for 1 ½ -2 minutes each, or just until the crust is perfectly golden brown. Remove from the oil and allow to cool slightly. For best results, serve right away.
Nutrition
Elaine says
I have never made fried green tomatoes! I want to so badly that I'm going to look for some green tomatoes tomorrow when I go shopping. Your recipe looks delicious and easy! I can't wait to try it!
Kelly Anthony says
Happiest day! Thank you, Elaine! They don't disappoint!
Tammy says
Fried green tomatoes is a summer staple in my house...I just love this dish especially with fresh garden tomatoes 😀 I'm craving them now. That cornmeal crust is sooo good!
Veena Azmanov says
ah, I have not eaten fried green tomatoes in a zillion year. My mom used to make them often. This looks so simple and easy. I must look for these the next time I'm in the grocery. Saving this for later.
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Veena! Love food that brings back memories!
Jyothi (Jo) says
Never thought of frying tomatoes like fritters. What an amazing idea. Thanks for sharing the recipe with us, book marking it to try later
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you so much, Jo! They're really so very delicious!
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
Ever since watching the movie fried green tomatoes, I have always wanted to try them! I don't think I have ever seen them sold in Canada! But now I can make it myself. Thanks for the recipe 😉
Kelly Anthony says
Yes, they're definitely a staple down here in the Southern US, but maybe not so much Canada 😉 Thank you and you're so welcome!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen says
I've never made my own fried green tomatoes, but I just got back from a beach vacation where we had them out at a restaurant. This brings me back, and I totally need to try making them! YUM!
Kelly Anthony says
They're super easy to make at home! You won't regret it 😉
Connie Shafer says
Having moved to the South seven years ago, I have managed to devour a few fried green tomatoes. I had not made them myself until this week. I have made your recipe twice within the last five days. Epic. Great seasoning! Thank you for another wonderful recipe.
Kelly Anthony says
Connie, you have no idea how much this brightens my day! So happy to hear that. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing 🙂
Marisa Franca says
We've been making fried green tomatoes for years. We always had tomato plants and we couldn't wait until they started coming on. The green tomatoes were a treat and all our kids and grandkids couldn't wait until their papa made them. We do ours a bit different but as long as you get that nice crunch -- that's what's important. Yours look delicious!!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Marisa!! It's all about the crunch! I'd love to hear how you do yours!!
Jennifer says
I've never actually tried fried green tomatoes myself, however my family members rave about them. I'll definitely share this recipe with them.
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Jennifer!! Sounds like your family knows their stuff 😉
Leslie Haasch says
It's so funny... for the longest time, I didn't think Fried Green Tomatoes was a real thing - I thought it was just a movie haha!
Kelly Anthony says
That is hilarious!!!
Karyl Henry says
OMG I love fried green tomatoes. And these look AMAZING!! The hardest part for me is waiting until they are cool enough to eat without scalding my mouth 🙂 Saving this recipe for sure
Kelly Anthony says
Ha! I can never wait!
Kim @ Berly's Kitchen says
Fried green tomatoes are a Southern staple. I've never made them myself, but I may make a batch after looking at your recipe. It sounds so easy, and they look sooo good!
Kelly Anthony says
Thanks Kim! Most def a Southern staple!!! 🙂
Amanda Mason says
Ok so I grew up in the south. I am a southern girl. I know fired green tomatoes and this...THIS recipe is SPOT ON! You nailed these ingredients and a truly southern recipe typically calls for a little bit of tobacco. The best grits recipes have a splash of tobacco and just like your batter here - you included the right ingredients! Nailed it!!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you so much, Amanda!!
Mary Bostow says
I think the only reason my mother ever grew a garden was to have fried green tomatoes. I have to try this recipe!
Kelly Anthony says
I have to say, I think it's a pretty good reason 😉
Judy Hobby says
How do you get rid of the bitter sourness of the green tomato? I fried some today just using flour, salt and pepper and they were so sour and bitter that we couldn't eat them. Does the buttermilk and corn meal really take away the sour bitterness?