Description
A classic Southern appetizer featuring slices of green tomatoes coated in a seasoned cornmeal mixture and fried until crispy and golden brown. Perfect for a delightful snack or starter.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium green tomatoes, sliced about 1/2 inch thick
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil or shortening for frying
Instructions
- Pat the green tomato slices dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Pour the buttermilk into another shallow dish.
- Dip each tomato slice first into the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Immediately dredge the buttermilk-coated tomato slice in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure it is fully coated.
- Place the coated tomato slices on a wire rack while you heat the oil. This allows the coating to set slightly.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil or shortening in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place a few coated tomato slices in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried green tomatoes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or a spicy aioli.
Notes
- Using green tomatoes is key – they are firm and slightly acidic, which is perfect for frying.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to get a crispy coating. If the oil is not hot enough, the tomatoes will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tomatoes. Fry in batches if necessary.
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the tomato slices in the buttermilk and cornmeal mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: Approx. 350-450 (varies based on oil absorption)
- Sugar: Low
- Sodium: Moderate
- Fat: High
- Saturated Fat: Moderate
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: Varies
- Carbohydrates: High
- Fiber: Moderate
- Protein: Moderate
- Cholesterol: Low