Fried Green Tomatoes

A classic Southern dish that celebrates unripe tomatoes.

By
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Updated November 10, 2023
Elise Bauer

Fried Green Tomatoes?

Ever since that wonderful movie with Jessica Tandy, I've wondered about fried green tomatoes. Do people really eat green tomatoes?

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

Overhead view of a plate of green tomatoes.

Annika Panikker

Yes, You Can Make Fried Green Tomatoes!

Curious as usual, we found some big green tomatoes at the farmers market last weekend and just had to try these fried green tomatoes. What follows is how to make fried green tomatoes that even first-timers can manage with great success.

The verdict at this house? Yum! What a great way to make use of early-season tomatoes.

A hand lifting fried tomatoes from a bowl of dip.

Annika Panikker
A plate of fried green tomatoes set next to a bowl of dip.

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. 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. Recipes like this put them to good use, and are so beloved by some that they pick tomatoes early.

The Best Ingredients for Fried Green Tomatoes

If you can find it, use white cornmeal, since it’s the primary cornmeal used in Southern recipes. Don't use a seasoned cornmeal mix for this recipe.

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!

More Tomato Recipes to Try!

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Fried Green Tomatoes

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Servings 4 servings

If you can find it, use fine white cornmeal, which is the primary cornmeal used in the South. Buttermilk adds flavor and tang, but is not strictly necessary.

Ingredients

  • 3 medium-sized, firm green tomatoes

  • Kosher salt

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

  • 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk

  • 1 large egg

  • 1/3 cup fine white cornmeal

  • 1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs

  • 1/4 cup peanut, canola, or olive oil for frying

Method

  1. Slice and salt the green tomatoes:

    Cut unpeeled tomatoes into 1/2 inch slices. Sprinkle slices with salt. Let tomato slices stand for 5 minutes.

    Slicing green tomatoes to show how to make fried green tomatoes

    Annika Panikker
  2. Set out shallow bowls with the coating ingredients:

    While the salted green tomato slices are resting, place in three separate, shallow bowls: 1) the flour and Cajun seasoning (if using), 2) buttermilk and egg, and 3) breadcrumbs and cornmeal.

    Whisk together the egg and buttermilk.

    Three bowls to make a fried green tomatoes recipe.

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

    Annika Panikker
  3. Bread the tomato slices:

    Heat the oil in a skillet on medium heat. Dip the green tomato slices in the flour-seasoning, then the buttermilk-egg mixture, then the cornmeal-breadcrumb mix.

    Dipping green tomatoes in flour mixture.

    Annika Panikker
    Dipping floured green tomato in egg mixture.

    Annika Panikker
    Dipping fried green tomato and breading.

    Annika Panikker
  4. Fry the breaded tomatoes:

    In the skillet, fry half of the coated tomato slices at a time, for 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until brown.

    Set the cooked tomatoes on paper towels to drain.

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

    Did you enjoy this recipe? Let us know with a rating and review!

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

    Annika Panikker
    Frying green tomatoes in a cast iron skillet.

    Annika Panikker
    Overhead view of a plate of fried green tomatoes.

    Annika Panikker
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
379 Calories
17g Fat
48g Carbs
10g Protein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 379
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17g 21%
Saturated Fat 2g 9%
Cholesterol 48mg 16%
Sodium 1104mg 48%
Total Carbohydrate 48g 18%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 10g
Vitamin C 22mg 109%
Calcium 90mg 7%
Iron 3mg 18%
Potassium 353mg 8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.