Classic fried green tomatoes celebrate unripe tomatoes.

Fried Green Tomatoes?

Ever since that wonderful movie with Jessica Tandy, I’ve wondered about fried green tomatoes.

Overhead view of a plate of green tomatoes.

Annika Panikker

Do people really eat green tomatoes?

I recall being served fried tomatoes for breakfast once, but they weren’t green.

Annika Panikker

Yes, you’re free to Make Fried Green Tomatoes!

A hand lifting fried tomatoes from a bowl of dip.

Annika Panikker

What follows is how to make fried green tomatoes that even first-timers can manage with great success.

The verdict at this house?

What a great way to make use of early-season tomatoes.

Slicing green tomatoes to show how to make fried green tomatoes

Annika Panikker

Why Green Tomatoes?

The green tomatoes used in this recipe are unripe tomatoes.

Unripe tomatoes are firmer and less juicy than their ripe counterparts.

Three bowls to make a fried green tomatoes recipe.

Annika Panikker

They are also tangier and milder in flavor, perfect for this batter fried treatment.

At the end of the gardening season, tomatoes don’t always have the warm weather needed to ripen.

Don’t use a seasoned cornmeal mix for this recipe.

Three bowls with ingredients combined to make a fried green tomatoes recipe.

Annika Panikker

Buttermilk adds a nice tang, but if milk is all you have, that’ll work just fine.

Be sure to use regular all-purpose flour instead of heavier whole grain flours.

All-purpose flour will keep the recipe light and crispy!

Dipping green tomatoes in flour mixture.

Annika Panikker

And the best dip for fried green tomatoes?

Buttermilk adds flavor and tang, but is not strictly necessary.

Sprinkle slices with salt.

Dipping floured green tomato in egg mixture.

Annika Panikker

Let tomato slices stand for 5 minutes.

Whisk together the egg and buttermilk.

Heat the oil in a skillet on medium heat.

Dipping fried green tomato and breading.

Annika Panikker

Dip the green tomato slices in the flour-seasoning, then the buttermilk-egg mixture, then the cornmeal-breadcrumb mix.

Set the cooked tomatoes on paper towels to drain.

These fried green tomatoes are fantastic with a little hot sauce orremoulade.

Frying green tomatoes in a cast iron skillet for fried green tomatoes.

Annika Panikker

Did you enjoy this recipe?

Let us know with a rating and review!

Frying green tomatoes in a cast iron skillet.

Annika Panikker

Overhead view of a plate of fried green tomatoes.

Annika Panikker