Fried green tomatoes are one of the true joys of a Southern summer. Whether you call it supper or dinner in your house, serve these fried green tomatoes with a Tabasco remoulade alongside fried okra, cornbread, and field peas for a simple, hearty meal.
These fried tomatoes taste just like you would get if you visited the Whistle Stop Cafe, inspired by the hit movie, Fried Green Tomatoes. In the movie Customers in the cafe would dine on this side dish along with dipping sauce. Later on, Evelyn Couch brings Ninny a plate of fried green tomatoes topped with candles to celebrate her 81st birthday.
What Are Green Tomatoes?
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Acidic and tart, green tomatoes are unripe red tomatoes that are firm and perfect for slicing into discs, coating with a cornmeal mixture, and fried until golden brown. Usually available in the supermarket next to the red ripe tomatoes, look for green tomatoes that are firm without any blemishes. If the tomato is started to ripen (getting red) move on.
Unripe green tomatoes shouldn't be confused with heirloom green tomatoes (green zebra or green striped) which are green in color but have the same texture as a fully-ripe tomato. These varieties usually have stripes, making it easy to differentiate the two.
Remoulade is the Name of the Game
Remoulade is usually served with fried green tomatoes to add zest and creaminess. Similar to mayonnaise, this creamy sauce has many different variations, including a Louisiana version that uses horseradish, Cajun seasoning, mustard, and capers. Our version uses Spicy creole mustard to give it a little kick!
Creole Mustard
How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes
You need about four firm green tomatoes for this recipe and an assembly line to get them ready for frying. Combine all-purpose flour and garlic powder in one bowl. In the next bowl beat the eggs and milk or buttermilk together. In the final bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, cornmeal, cayenne, and paprika.
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Slice the tomatoes and season them with salt and black pepper. Dredge them in the flour in the first bowl, then dip them in the second bowl with the egg mixture, and then coat the tomato slices in the final bowl with the breadcrumb mix. Fry the slices in a cast-iron skillet or deep fryer until golden brown and crispy then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
How to Store Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes don't store well, so try to eat them fresh! Otherwise, store in a Tupperware and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
READ MORE: If Your Garden Has a Big Harvest Then You Need a Tomato Press for Your Produce
Fried Green Tomatoes and Tabasco Remoulade
Ingredients
Fried Green Tomatoes
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tbs garlic powder
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbs milk (Or buttermilk if you like the twang)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 4 green tomatoes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
Tabasco Remoulade
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup spicy creole mustard
- 1 tbs lemon juice
- 1 tbs Tabasco
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbs ketchup
- 2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- To make the sauce, combine all ingredients in a food processor or mix by hand. Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare your assembly line by combining the flour and garlic powder in one bowl, the eggs and milk in another, then the breadcrumbs, cornmeal, cayenne, and paprika in a final bowl. Lightly beat the eggs and milk.
- Heat a heavy bottom skillet or cast iron skillet with about 1/2 to 1 inch oil over medium-high. Alternatively, heat a deep fryer to 350 F.
- Slice the tomatoes about 1/4 inch thick, then season with salt and pepper.
- Lightly dredge them in the flour, then dip in the egg mixture, then coat in breadcrumbs.
- Without crowding the pan, fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate but serve warm.
