Ever since I discovered green tomatoes I have been hooked and in particular to fried green tomatoes! Unfortunately around here green tomatoes are usually only available for a few weeks at the end of the summer so when that time of year rolls around I make the most of it. Fried green tomatoes are so simple to make and yet so addictively good with that crispy cornmeal coating! You pretty much just need to soak the sliced green tomatoes in butter milk for a while, batter them up in a seasoned cornmeal mixture and then fry them until they are nice and golden brown. (With respect to frying them, oil would definitely be the healthier option but bacon grease would be the tastier way to go.) As good as they are by themselves, a tasty remoulade sauce is always a tasty addition!
If you have not tried fried tomatillos yet, you need to! So good!
Buttermilk Marinated Fried Green Tomatoes
Tangy green tomatoes dipped in buttermilk and cornmeal and then fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
ingredients
- 2 green tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup masa harina (corn flour) or flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- salt and pepper (or creole seasoning) to taste
- oil or bacon grease for frying
directions
- Soak the tomato slices in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix the flour, cornmeal, salt and pepper.
- Pull the tomato slices out of the buttermilk dredge them in the cornmeal mixture.
- Fry the tomato slices in oil over medium heat until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minute per side.
Darius T. Williams says
August 16, 2008 at 12:29 amfirst!!!
Darius T. Williams says
August 16, 2008 at 12:30 amI have an idea…and don’t steal it – lol. How about a fried green tomato BLT? with smokey bacon – even maple smoked…fried green tomatoes…toasted ciabatta roll…and maybe some type of spicy creamy dressing…yup!
-DTW
http://www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com
Olga says
August 16, 2008 at 12:42 amOoh, how adventures! I had my only fried green tomatoes in Atlanta a few years ago and to me they tasted like green apples…bacon sounds like a great addition!
Marjie says
August 16, 2008 at 12:48 amMMM…bacon and tomatoes! Fried stuff! How much better can life get?
ayankeeinasouthernkitchen says
August 16, 2008 at 12:59 amKevin, I adore Fried Green Tomatoes and plan on making some later this summer. I made a tomato pie earlier this year with green tomatoes. They are good for relish and of course a fried green tomato blt can turn a bad day into good. Thanks for making me hungry!
Elly says
August 16, 2008 at 1:11 amI’ve never had fried green tomatoes but I’ve always wanted to. They look SO good, especially cooked in the bacon grease. Everything’s better with bacon 🙂
VeggieGirl says
August 16, 2008 at 1:11 amThat’s also the title of a great film :0)
Paula says
August 16, 2008 at 1:14 amPerfect timing … I’ve got about 10 zillion green tomatoes in the garden! I’ve never tried frying them in bacon grease, but everything tastes better with bacon, right? Great recipe and photo!
_ts of [eatingclub] vancouver says
August 16, 2008 at 1:15 amOh no! You beat me to it! Hahaha… We *just* made these yesterday. Of course, that means it won’t get posted until… I don’t know… a while. LOL.
Debbie says
August 16, 2008 at 1:18 amMy next dish will be a tomato tart! I’ve seen red and green used in these. Yours look delicious!!!
Amber says
August 16, 2008 at 1:33 amKevin this reminds me of my Nana who came from Arkansas and could whip up this sort of food blindfolded. They look so much like hers and I love the bacon with it. Thank you for getting back to me. The photo ideas will help me I am sure. The fun part is buying a new plate and such here and there for display and now I get to add a light and tripod to my list, yay. I will figure out the appetizers and I will let you know how it works out. Like I said many posts ago, if I get to Canada, expect me for dinner.
Pam says
August 16, 2008 at 1:47 amI love fried tomatoes… I’ve never fried green but used to fry red ones all the time! They are so tasty dipped in blue cheese dressing. The crust on yours looks fantastic.
Michelle says
August 16, 2008 at 2:00 amum, won’t you be my neighbor? and then you could invite me over when you make these again. mmm…the pairing with bacon…good call. I think the fried green tomato blt idea sounds fantastic!
Manggy says
August 16, 2008 at 2:12 amFrying them in bacon fat should go a long way in making them tasty! I think green tomato salsa would also work well 🙂
Pam says
August 16, 2008 at 2:17 amAnything fried in bacon fat is good!
Diana Evans says
August 16, 2008 at 2:34 amoh yumm Kevin…I have a ton of tomatoes in my garden…you would love it!
I will have to try these …
CECIL says
August 16, 2008 at 2:35 amOoh!! I have been craving these! I lived in Kentucky for many years and most all restaurants serve this as side dish. Extremely good when paired with fried catfish. And hushpuppies – oh geez, all these fried foods. 🙂
Anonymous says
August 16, 2008 at 3:12 amvery interesting and very different kevin!
Robin says
August 16, 2008 at 4:09 amI make fried green tomatoes all the time using a tempura type batter. Green tomatoes are also great diced up and tossed into a chicken mango curry or sliced up and made into a pie! Love your blog by the way!
Esi says
August 16, 2008 at 4:34 amThese look fantastic and really, what doesn’t go with bacon??
Lina says
August 16, 2008 at 5:24 amive never had green tomatoes before either. Ive always wanted to try fried ones after I watched that movie! haha
Harry and Eddie says
August 16, 2008 at 5:25 amMom used to make pickled green tomatoes. They taste a lot like a dill pickle, but have a great snappy crunch to them. My palate had not matured yet, so she was the only one who got to enjoy them. I’d sure like some of them now, though.
Jude says
August 16, 2008 at 5:53 amGood looking crust there– I can definitely tell how crisp it’s going to be from the picture.
Mrs Ergül says
August 16, 2008 at 7:03 amwow! Fried green tomatoes, I’m sold!
amandalouden says
August 16, 2008 at 9:24 amyum, Is there a reason not to do the same with a red or yellow tomato? I have lots of those. Are they too juicy, I wonder?
joey-p says
August 16, 2008 at 9:27 amI’ve been looking at your creations. You really need to be the creative partner at a restaurant and take your ideas to “the public”. You have fresh ideas all over the place
I like how you don’t get into *too precious and too fussed over* territory. Your dishes are just there. From what I see you are ahead of what most creative type restaurants try to do
Claud says
August 16, 2008 at 9:54 amI do remember the film… it was fantastic! I’ve got a virtual friend (food blogger) that always suggests new combinations for jam and marmelades… in Italy we use to eat them along with cheese. Maybe you could evaluate the idea of a long trip into a large pot to do a green tomatoes jam?!
Emiline says
August 16, 2008 at 9:56 amYUM. I want! Especially with the bacon.
All you need is Kathy Bates, and you’re set.
HoneyB says
August 16, 2008 at 10:12 amman, I wish we were neighbors! You would probably get sick of me though. I’d want to eat at your house every night!
OhioMom says
August 16, 2008 at 10:33 amFried green tomatoes are the bomb! One year we fried so many off our plants we never did get a ripe one … course having a Daddy from the south this was a regular summer treat in our home. Sprinkled with a tiny bit of parmesan cheese on top.
I also roast them and use them as toppings on my “not pizza bread” 🙂
Steph says
August 16, 2008 at 11:19 ammmm.. bacon fat! the fried green potatoes look nice and crisp.
Jeanine says
August 16, 2008 at 12:39 pmI’ve always wanted to try fried green tomatoes as well. Last year, nearly did it, but then something else came up, and I didn’t get around to it. The garden is full of green tomatoes right now, so I may have to give it a go. Looks good, Kevin!
Claudia Davila (Fran) says
August 16, 2008 at 2:10 pmWhat a coincidence, I had a big craving for these a week ago and made my own variation using Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs — they turned out great!
You could also use green tomatoes to make a salsa, kind of like green tomatillo salsa.
Anonymous says
August 16, 2008 at 3:41 pmMmmm such a classic dish. I love these.
Coffee and Vanilla says
August 16, 2008 at 5:00 pmKevin,
I always wanted to try green tomatoes… I’m sooo jealous 🙂
I missed also many other great recipe, but I’m adding them now to my “2 try” recipes 😉
Have a great weekend, Margot
Holler says
August 16, 2008 at 5:06 pmI’d make some chutney with them Kevin.
Sandie says
August 16, 2008 at 5:40 pmBacon grease is a great flavoring to many foods, from green beans to frying green tomatoes.
What else could you use green tomatoes for? Many things, including yummy frittatas, quiches and even salads!
Sue says
August 16, 2008 at 6:23 pmFunnily enough I recently saw the movie on satellite a few weeks ago.
I’ve not had fried green tomatoes only the red ones but I bet they taste good.
Loved the pic Kevin.
cindy* says
August 16, 2008 at 6:50 pmyum! fried green tomatoes and bacon. perfection.
Lisa says
August 16, 2008 at 7:15 pmI’ve never tried green tomatoes before but I’ve long been on the lookout for them. I’d leave out the bacon grease, but apart from that, this sounds fantastic.
Rindy R says
August 16, 2008 at 8:18 pmI think they serve these upon entering the Pearly Gates! Sounds HEAVENLY!!!
Bellini Valli says
August 16, 2008 at 11:00 pmFried Green Tomatoes is one one of my favourite movies too:D How could we not love these:D
Helene says
August 16, 2008 at 11:43 pmWhat a different way to use tomatoes. Thanks for sharing.
Deanna S. says
August 17, 2008 at 4:29 amReminds me of summers visiting my great grandmother in Alabama. Srcrumdiddlyupmtious. I have to say that I love your mugshot. Don’t ever smile, it might ruin your mysterious aura.
Mrs. L says
August 17, 2008 at 5:48 amI grew up with my mother eating fried green tomatoes, but I don’t remember having bacon with them, yum!
Beachlover says
August 17, 2008 at 6:15 amI never taste fried green tomato as well.Heard it’s a comfort food in South.Last night my tomatoes plants was hit by rain and fast wind and some of the green tomatoes was on the ground.Now I can fried green tomatoes with bacon!! yum yum!!
Anonymous says
August 17, 2008 at 6:36 amnice!! yum bacon/fried/tomatoes – can’t go wrong!
Jan says
August 17, 2008 at 7:30 amNow I love the look of those Kevin!
Mmmm – bacon and tomatoes, I’ll have two please!
diva says
August 17, 2008 at 9:04 ambreaded green tomatoes fried in bacon grease? sounds like the better alternative to boring ol’ fried cherry tomatoes – perfect for a sunday fry up!
Meg Wolff says
August 17, 2008 at 10:50 amKevin,
I came over fromAstra Libris’ blog. It looks like your meals are far from boring now. 🙂
Pat says
August 17, 2008 at 12:57 pmI just love Fried green tomatoes and I love bacon. Hmmmm this sounds like a winning combination!!
Gloria (Canela) says
August 17, 2008 at 4:40 pmI love these tomatoes Kevin, really love!!xGloria
Nilmandra says
August 17, 2008 at 4:53 pmThat golden crust looks fantastic!
I have an award for you over at my blog 🙂
Lisa says
August 17, 2008 at 8:42 pmBacon looks like a nice addition. Oh, and the ice cream sounds heavenly!
jodycakes says
August 17, 2008 at 8:53 pmI love Darius’ idea about a BLT with these lovely little tomatoes…You can also add them with some heirlooms, and other varieties…drizzle with olive oil, splash of lemon juice, sea salt and pepper for a wonderful summer salad
Adrienne says
August 17, 2008 at 10:29 pmThat looks delicious. If you ever find yourself in the American south, you ought to try them in their native land 🙂
Jeanne says
August 17, 2008 at 11:06 pmI had also only ever heard of these babies in the context of the movie – and in fact I think this is the first pic of them I’ve seen! Love the idea of frying in bacon grease – sinfully delicious!
maybelles parents says
August 17, 2008 at 11:11 pmdelicious. though i think the bacon may be requisite.
Mike of Mike's Table says
August 17, 2008 at 11:19 pmI’ve never had these before either, but they sound approachable and really tasty. I’ll have to try this!
Dragon says
August 18, 2008 at 12:29 amWhat a great dish!
Bridgett says
August 18, 2008 at 12:33 amyummy! These are always a hit in my house.
Jessica says
August 18, 2008 at 1:29 amAs a southern gal, I of course am a fan of fried green tomatoes! One great way to serve is with a creamy horseradish dill sauce. It adds a bit of spice and just makes them perfect. Yours look fantastic! If you are ever in the south (Atlanta), there’s a great little pub called Six Feet Under that has great FGTs.
Mochachocolata Rita says
August 18, 2008 at 2:44 amanything fried with a side of bacon? i’m in
Amarnath says
August 18, 2008 at 6:58 amnice recipe… thanks
Cheryl says
August 18, 2008 at 11:57 amI have never had them in my life, but they sure sound good!
Rosie says
August 18, 2008 at 2:23 pmOh yummy this looks brilliant Kevin and a must try!
Rosie x
DocChuck says
August 18, 2008 at 4:53 pmFried green tomatoes have been a staple at our dinner table for years (especially with fried catfish). Yours look GREAT!
As another commenter noted, a creamy horseradish sauce makes a wonderful dip to go with them.
Other uses for green tomatoes??
We use them for chutney, salsa, pickled . . . but mostly fried in pork fat.
Shreya says
August 18, 2008 at 5:06 pmlooks yum.. great use of green tomatoes..
Millie says
August 18, 2008 at 6:33 pmThis is mouthwatering! In Hungary we fry almost every vegetable like this (cooked cauliflower, courgettes, eggplant, mushroom). 100 years ago everyone had been using bacon fat, now we prefer vegetable oils. Anyway, they are sooooo tasty!!!
katiez says
August 18, 2008 at 7:26 pmGreen tomatoes are not easy to find! So many people want them to get ripe…
Great job on the breading – and you’re so right about the bacon grease!
Ivy says
August 18, 2008 at 8:44 pmThese look sooo good!
Ever since I saw the movie, :), I have wanted to make fried green tomatoes. Thanks!
~Madeline~ says
August 18, 2008 at 9:18 pmYou had me at bacon and tomatoes. Is there any better combination? Delicious!
MrsDocChuck says
August 19, 2008 at 3:54 pmTruth be told, we haven’t fried our green tomatoes for years due to my husband’s many health conditions. I’m a licensed practical nurse and my job is to keep his ticker ticking! LOL!! SO far, soo good.
What we have been doing is “oven frying them,” much like we do our chicken, catfish, pork chops, etc.
You bread the tomatoes as you would for regular frying (I have cut way down on the spices and salt, too — they are “no no’s” for him) but then lightly coat them on each side with cooking spray and place on a wire rack over a cookie sheet.
Bake in a 425 degree oven until golden brown.
Top with sauce made from horseradish, fat free mayo and chopped sweet pickles.
You won’t even miss the bacon, I promise!!
Deborah says
August 19, 2008 at 5:03 pmYum! I’ve never had fried green tomatoes, or even green tomatoes before. But you can’t go wrong with bacon grease!
Bev's Jewelry says
August 20, 2008 at 7:55 pmNice recipe. My Mother used to make “Green tomato Mincemeat Pies” So good!
I miss them.
Bev
Natasha says
August 21, 2008 at 9:24 pmNever eaten them fried, just pickled, and like them a lot!
Lauren says
January 4, 2010 at 9:08 pmLove fried green tomatoes! I've also had them stuffed with goats cheese – tangy & absolutely delicious! Some people also serve them with a remoulade.
TheBasilBee says
September 8, 2010 at 4:02 pmI've tried fried red tomatoes and instead of using bacon, i used crumbled prociutto. You can fry it in that instead and then dollop the tomatoe with sour cream and sprinkle the chives and crumbled prosciotto on top and now u have an even tastier treat!
Heather Riley says
September 15, 2010 at 7:09 pmI recommend you try your Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Remoulade, a classic New Orleans recipe. It's one of my favorites!
Kevin says
September 22, 2010 at 1:25 amHeather Riley: Great tip! The Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Remoulade was amazing!
Mesa para cuatro says
September 22, 2011 at 9:53 amThat looks AMAZING! But I'm from Spain and I don't think I've ever seen buttermilk at the supermarket… how would you replace it or make it? :S
Becky says
September 22, 2011 at 12:51 pmI use a mix of Bacon grease and other fats. Defintely adds a nice flavor, but it's also good without. Our favorite ways of eating fried green tomatoes are either on a salad (I blogged about it here:http://chickenwireandpaperflowers.blogspot.com/2011/07/fried-salad-summer-eating-part-three.html)
Or in a sandwich, sometimes with bacon, always on a nice,crusty roll with mayo, pepper jack and lettuce. They also pack well for lunch the next day.
One of the best parts of having our own garden is having fried green tomatoes on demand from June through October.
Divya Yadava says
September 22, 2011 at 6:02 pmThese sound and look absolutely delicious! I'd always heard of them, but never saw the appeal. Now I get it!
penandra says
September 22, 2011 at 7:25 pmBecause of the strange summer weather we had here this year (warm days/cool nights), most of my tomato crop are just ripening now. Last year I had ripe tomatoes on the vine into mid-October, looks like that will happen again this year. Although I was excited to see some nice size green tomatoes in the garden for this dish! I make mine with fresh bread crumbs and cornmeal — and It's always a good plan to cook up some bacon just ahead of cooking the tomatoes, then adding the tomatoes to the fry pan. As other commenters have said, EVERYTHING goes better with bacon!
Kathleen Richardson says
September 22, 2011 at 11:37 pmI usually avoid recipes that call for buttermilk since I end up throwing away most of it. Then I discovered buttermilk can be frozen, so I'm ready to try your Fried Green tomatoes.
caja de sabores says
September 23, 2011 at 8:03 amque bueno, he buscado esta receta de tomates verdes en ocasiones, pero esta me ha gustado más. Estupendo.
Kevin says
September 23, 2011 at 10:00 amKathleen Richardson: Nice to know that you can freeze buttermilk! I always try to do several recipes with it in a row to finish it off.
Peggy says
September 28, 2011 at 1:36 pmI haven't had fried green tomatoes in quite some time – hope I can still spot some because you've definitely given me a craving for them now =)
Davida Fernandez says
November 4, 2012 at 4:21 pmI've been looking and looking for green tomatoes to try this, but none of the stores I've tried carry them (even the fancy ones).
However, one store did have plantains, so this morning I tried this with plantains and it worked great! I wanted a sweet breakfast I added some cinnamon and sugar to the cornmeal breading.
Served with some sour cream, and I'm happy and full.