Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

By: Grayson Elwood

Published: June 24, 2025

Recipe Summary

Yield: Serves 4–6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: About 40 minutes

Crispy, golden, and full of Southern charm, Fried Green Tomatoes are a beloved classic. Their tangy flavor and crunchy coating make them perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack.

Ingredients

4 large green tomatoes (firm and unripe)
2 eggs
½ cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup yellow cornmeal
½ cup plain bread crumbs
2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Vegetable oil (about 1 quart, or enough to cover ½ inch in a skillet)

Instructions

Slice the Tomatoes:
Rinse and pat the green tomatoes dry. Cut each tomato into ½-inch thick slices. Discard the stem and blossom ends, then set the slices aside.
Prepare Breading Stations:
Set up three shallow dishes:
- First dish: Place the flour.
- Second dish: Beat together the eggs and milk until well combined.
- Third dish: Mix the cornmeal, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper together.
Bread the Tomato Slices:
Coat each tomato slice in the following order:
- Dredge in the flour, coating both sides. Shake off excess.
- Dip into the egg and milk mixture. Let excess drip off.
- Press into the cornmeal and breadcrumb mixture to coat well on both sides.
Tip: Lay each breaded slice on a tray or sheet pan. Continue until all slices are coated.
Fry the Tomatoes:
In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Fry the slices in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Drain and Serve:
Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried tomatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve warm as-is or with your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy!

These Southern Fried Green Tomatoes are best served fresh and hot. Pair them with remoulade, ranch, or simply a dash of hot sauce for a Southern bite that never goes out of style.