How To Fry Green Tomatoes

I have eaten tomatoes in many ways, but I have never had them fried like in this recipe! By the time I finished testing this recipe and taking pictures, I was so ready to snack on some. I quickly realized that I had eaten more than half the plate before remembering to save some for my husband, who patiently waited to try some. The rest of the fried tomatoes were made into a sandwich with some arugula and the remoulade sauce and served it to him.

I would describe the final taste of fried tomatoes as crunchy and sweet from the breadcrumbs and the parmesan cheese and tangy and juicy from the inside. The parmesan cheese also gives it a pungent, earthy flavor that makes it unique. Fried Green Tomatoes are a classical Southern American dish. Usually, the sliced tomatoes are dipped in cornmeal and fried in bacon fat. This dish is traditional comfort food, and if you have never had green tomatoes, fried ones are definitely the way to go. 

What Are Green Tomatoes? 

The Old Farmer’s Almanac said green tomatoes are usually a sign of them being unripe. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, there is a special kind of tomato that is supposed to be green! These green tomatoes are called Aunt Ruby’s German Greens. Please don’t ask me where the name comes from! Aunt Ruby’s German green tomatoes are ripe when they are slightly soft and plump. Instead of being acidic like most red tomatoes, they are sweeter and have a fruitier taste. 

How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes?

You want to start by cutting the tomatoes into half-inch slices, putting them on a cooling rack, sprinkling some salt on both sides, and keeping them for 20 minutes. The salt will draw some water and soften the tomatoes for better frying. Pat dries them before dusting them in the seasoned flour first, then dipping them in egg mixture, then into the bread crumb mixture with parmesan cheese when you finish all the steps and have the tomatoes ready. Heat some olive oil mixed with butter on medium-high heat to cover only ¼ inch. We are not doing deep fry. You could bake them in the oven at 375 F until golden brown. 

What Dipping Sauce Should I Make? 

You can serve fried green tomatoes with dips like ranch dressing, remoulade, or Mississippi comeback sauce. I decided to make a remoulade, which is similar to a tartar sauce for my fried green tomatoes, and it was super easy to make. I mixed mayonnaise with a bit of Dijon, lime zest, and lime juice. Then I added some heat with sriracha sauce. The sauce was then topped with fresh chopped cilantro. Remoulade made the perfect dipping sauce. Feel free to experiment with a chile sauce or even a simple red wine vinegar sauce with some herbs. 

How to Serve Fried Green Tomatoes?

Fried green tomatoes are delicious on their own, and they make the perfect snack when served with some dipping sauce. You can also serve them as an appetizer, making them a great snack for parties or gatherings. This dish can also be laid out into a belt with some bacon, cheese, and pickles or cut into smaller pieces and add them to your salad. They also make an excellent topping for avocado toast with some pickled red onion on toasted sourdough bread. If you are serving fried green tomatoes as a side dish, you could pair them with other Southern dishes such as fried chicken, mac and cheese, eggs benedict, or crab cakes.