Fried Green Tomatoes

Ingredients

4 large green tomatoes

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup cornmeal

2 teaspoons kosher salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

½ cup whole or 2% milk

½ cup breadcrumbs

2 eggs

1 quart vegetable oil for frying

Ranch dressing or similar, for dipping

Instructions:

Cut the tomatoes into ½-inch thick slices, discarding the ends.

Whisk the milk and eggs.

Put the flour in one shallow dish or plate.

Combine the breadcrumbs with cornmeal, salt and pepper, and put that on another plate.

Dip the tomato slices into the flour to coat.

Next, dip them into the egg mixture.

Finally, dip them into the breadcrumb mixture to coat completely.

Add about ½ inch of oil to a skillet and then heat it over a moderate heat.

Add the coated tomato slices and cook, in however many batches you need so the tomato slices don’t touch in the pan.

Once crisp and golden underneath, flip the tomatoes over and cook the other side.

Drain on paper towels and serve hot, with ranch dressing or whichever dipping sauce you prefer.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are fried green tomatoes?

Fried green tomatoes are slices of unripe green tomatoes coated with a mixture of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then fried until golden and crispy.

Can I use red tomatoes for this recipe?

The traditional recipe uses green tomatoes for their firmness and tangy flavor.

However, you can experiment with red tomatoes if you prefer a sweeter taste.

What’s the purpose of dipping the tomatoes in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs?

The coating process creates a crispy texture and adds flavor to the tomatoes during frying.

Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Yes, you can use oils like canola or peanut oil.

Vegetable oil is commonly used due to its high smoke point.

How can I prevent the coating from falling off during frying?

Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the tomatoes, and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I bake green tomatoes instead of frying?

While it won’t be the same as frying, you can bake them at a high temperature to achieve a crispier texture without deep-frying.

What’s a good alternative to ranch dressing for dipping?

Options include aioli, remoulade, or a spicy mayo for a flavorful twist.

How do I store leftover fried green tomatoes?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Are fried green tomatoes vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, they are vegetarian, as they use plant-based ingredients like tomatoes, flour, and breadcrumbs.

Can I freeze fried green tomatoes?

Freezing may affect the texture, but if you need to, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed container.

Reheat in the oven for best results.