Fried green tomatoes are a beloved Southern dish, known for their crispy exterior and tender, slightly tangy interior. This comfort food is a perfect appetizer or side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. With its roots in Southern cuisine, fried green tomatoes offer a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that are sure to please any palate.
The key to fried green tomatoes is the use of unripe, green tomatoes. Unlike their red counterparts, green tomatoes have a firmer texture and a tart, tangy flavor that holds up well to frying. The tomatoes are typically sliced thick, coated in a seasoned cornmeal or flour mixture, and then fried to a golden brown perfection. The result is a crispy, crunchy coating on the outside, while the inside remains soft and slightly tart, providing a delightful contrast.
Fried green tomatoes can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. A traditional Southern favorite is a creamy remoulade or a zesty ranch dressing. For a bit of extra flavor, you can also drizzle them with a little honey or serve them with a tangy tomato-based sauce. Their versatility also makes them a great addition to sandwiches or as a side dish to accompany fried chicken or grilled meats.
This snack is versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, making them perfect for any occasion. They’re delicious on their own as a snack or appetizer, but can also be paired with a creamy remoulade or zesty ranch dressing for added flavor. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside fried chicken, grilled meats, or even as part of a Southern-inspired sandwich, such as a BLT. Their tangy flavor and crispy texture also complement fresh greens, making them a great addition to a salad. Whether served as a side or the star of the meal, fried green tomatoes offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of Southern flavor.
These crispy treats are not only delicious but also easy to make, and they offer a wonderful way to enjoy tomatoes before they ripen. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a classic Southern dish, fried green tomatoes are sure to bring a taste of comfort and nostalgia to your table.

Ingredients
- 2 large green tomatoes sliced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, combine milk and beaten egg.
- Dip tomato slices in the milk and egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, coating both sides.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry tomato slices in the hot oil until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.
I don’t get the fuss about fried green tomatoes. These were okay but not my favorite.
I totally get you! They’re not for everyone. Personally, I love them but I know they can be a bit weird for some folks.
Nah, fried green tomatoes are the best! You just gotta season them right. Maybe try again with some spices! 🤷♂️
These came out amazing! Perfectly crispy and so delicious. Will make again!
5 stars for the simplicity! Made it in under 30 mins. Will add to my go-to recipes!
I tried this recipe too, and you’re right! So easy and tasty. I added some spices to the flour mix. Yum!
Too greasy for my taste. I’m on a diet and this was not helping!
Greasy? Come on, that’s how they supposed to taste! You can’t have fried tomatoes without some oil, right?
I get that! It’s definitely not the healthiest option out there. Maybe try baking them next time!
These fried green tomatoes are a southern classic! I made them for my family and they loved it! Will definitely make again.
Yum! Just like my grandma used to make. I added some hot sauce for a kick!
These are the best fried green tomatoes I’ve ever made! So crispy and delicious. Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad you enjoyed them! They really are a treat. Did you add any spices to yours?
Can you really fry tomatoes? Seems weird, but I guess anything can be fried these days.
I followed the recipe exactly and somehow it just didn’t taste right. Maybe my tomatoes were too green?
So disappointed. The tomatoes were mushy and I could hardly taste anything. Not for me.
I’m sorry to hear that! Maybe the tomatoes weren’t ripe enough? They should have a nice crunch if done right.
My grandma made these all the time! Brings back memories. 😊
I love fried green tomatoes! They’re so crunchy and delicious! Your grandma sounds like a great cook! 🍅
😐 Nah, not for me. Can’t see how people love these.
Fried green tomatoes? Ugh. I don’t understand the hype. Prefer my tomatoes fresh.
I think they’re amazing! But everyone has different tastes. You should try them with a dipping sauce!
These were sooo good! My family ate them all in one sitting!
Wow, that’s awesome to hear! Fried green tomatoes are the best! What other recipes have you tried?
They were good? I had them once and they were kinda just okay. Maybe I did it wrong?
I used yellow tomatoes instead and they were still good! Just experiment a bit.
I thought only green tomatoes were good for frying? Is it really okay to use yellow ones?
Yellow tomatoes? That’s an interesting twist! I’ll have to try it out next time.
I don’t know, they were kinda bland. I thought more spices would help. Maybe garlic powder next time?
Did I miss something? The instructions seemed too simple. Are they even cooked properly?
These turned out AMAZING! Crispy and delicious. Will definitely make again. 😍
Wait, aren’t fried green tomatoes supposed to be made with ripe ones? Just wondering.
Really? You fry green tomatoes? Sounds a bit odd to me but to each their own. 🤷♂️
Not sure what I did wrong, but mine burned in like 2 minutes! 😡
Sorry to hear that! Maybe the oil was too hot? Just a little tip for next time! 🌶️
Delicious!!! I want to eat these everyday!!!
Meh. I prefer fried zucchini. Tomatoes are weird to fry, right?
Great recipe! But I added some spices to the flour, gave it extra kick.
Absolutely delicious! I’ve never tried this before but it turned out amazing. Will make again!
Why use cornmeal? Aint flour enough? Seems a bit much.
Sounds simple enough, but the frying part is kinda scary. What if I burn them?
Easy and quick! Great for a snack, but I added some hot sauce for a kick!
These were amazing! Just like my grandma used to make! 🍅💚
these are like chips! I could eat these all day!
Is it normal for the batter to fall off? Mine did. 😕
I’ve had that happen too! Maybe not enough coating? Just keep practicing! 😄
This recipe is just like my grandma used to make! Brings back so many memories. ❤️
I was skeptical at first. How can you fry a tomato? But WOW, these are so good! Crispy and flavorful!
Eh, I thought it was too greasy! They don’t taste like much just oil and some flour. I’ve had better.
I actually loved them! The grease is part of the charm, and the crunch was perfect. Maybe try a dip next time? It adds flavor!
I dunno, they just didn’t taste right. Maybe my tomatoes were too ripe?
I didn’t think I would like green tomatoes, but these were surprisingly good. Still, it’s a bit odd, right?
These fried green tomatoes are the best! Reminds me of my grandma’s cooking, so good!
I totally agree! There’s just something magical about fried green tomatoes, especially when they remind you of family. Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Sounds like a weird combo but I guess you gotta try it once! What do green tomatoes even taste like? 🤨
Green tomatoes are kinda tangy and a bit crunchy. They’re not as sweet as ripe ones! Give it a shot! 🍅
Easy and tasty, but I think they could use more seasoning. Maybe add some garlic powder.
I tried this recipe and it was a total fail. My tomatoes turned mushy. Maybe I did it wrong? Ugh.
Not bad, but they turned out mushy instead of crispy. Maybe I let them soak too long in the milk?
Waste of tomatoes! Should’ve just eaten them raw instead. 😒