Fried Green Tomatoes
These Fried Green Tomatoes are crisp, golden, and full of Southern flavor, made with green tomatoes, cornmeal, breadcrumbs, and simple seasonings. They are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or savory snack.
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Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 3 fresh green tomatoes cut into 1/4-inch slices and brought to room temperature
- Seasoned salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 c all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten with 1 tbsp hot sauce or water
- 1/2 c yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 c panko crumbs or plain breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder optional
- 1/2 tsp onion powder optional
- 1/4 tsp lemon pepper optional
- A pinch of cayenne optional
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Season the sliced green tomatoes on both sides with seasoned salt and black pepper.
- Place the flour in one shallow bowl and the beaten eggs in a second shallow bowl.
- In a third shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal, panko crumbs, smoked paprika, and any optional seasonings being used. Whisk until evenly blended.
- Dredge each tomato slice first in the flour, coating both sides evenly.
- Transfer the floured tomato slice to the egg mixture and coat both sides thoroughly.
- Place the tomato slice into the cornmeal mixture and coat evenly on both sides. Transfer the coated slice to a baking sheet or plate. Repeat the dredging process with the remaining tomato slices.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F to 375°F.
- Carefully place the coated tomato slices into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Fry on both sides until golden brown.
- Remove the fried tomatoes and drain them on paper towels or on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
- Serve warm. If not serving immediately, place the fried tomatoes in a preheated 250°F oven to help keep them crisp until ready to serve.
Notes
To make these Fried Green Tomatoes gluten free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or gluten-free panko in place of standard breadcrumbs. Cornmeal is often naturally gluten free, but it is still important to check the label for cross-contact warnings if needed. Also confirm that the seasoned salt, hot sauce, and any optional seasonings are labeled gluten free, since ingredients can vary by brand. Once those swaps are made, the recipe adapts very easily.