Green Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

Crispy, tangy, and impossibly satisfying, Fried Green Tomatoes are one of those recipes that instantly transport you to a sunny Southern porch—crunching through a golden crust into a juicy, perfectly tart tomato. This is comfort food at its finest (with a zippy remoulade sauce you’ll want to spread on everything!), made easily at home with just a handful of pantry staples.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Fried Green Tomatoes is short and sweet, but each element is absolutely essential. Every item—from the firm green tomatoes to that crispy panko breading—plays a unique part in building layers of rich flavor and texture.

• Green Tomatoes: Opt for large, firm unripe tomatoes—these hold their shape when fried and deliver that signature tangy bite.
• Coarse Salt: Not just for seasoning! Salting the tomatoes draws out excess moisture so your crust never gets soggy.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides a dry base for dredging, ensuring every other coating clings beautifully.
• Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These add subtle warmth and savory depth to every bite.
• Buttermilk & Egg White: The buttermilk brings creaminess and a hint of tang, while the egg white binds the breading together.
• Panko Bread Crumbs & Fine White Cornmeal: This dynamic duo is the secret behind that irresistible, ultra-crisp finish.
• Vegetable Oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the perfect golden fry—classic Southern style.
• Remoulade Sauce Ingredients: Mayonnaise, spicy brown mustard, horseradish, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce transform into a creamy, tangy dipping sauce you’ll want to slather on everything.

Variations

One of the joys of Fried Green Tomatoes is how endlessly adaptable they are! Don’t hesitate to switch up your seasoning, breading, or even the sauce—just a tweak or two makes this timeless dish suit every palate and dietary need.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko for a version that’s just as crispy and delicious.
• Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your flour mixture or a few extra shakes of hot sauce to the remoulade for fiery heat.
• Vegan Fried Green Tomatoes: Use plant-based mayo in the sauce, swap buttermilk for non-dairy milk with a squeeze of lemon, and sub a flax egg for the egg white.
• Lighter Baked Option: Mist the breaded tomatoes generously with oil and bake at 425°F on a wire rack until golden and crisp, flipping halfway through.

How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes

Step 1: Whip Up the Remoulade Sauce

Start by whisking together all the ingredients for your remoulade sauce in a medium bowl. Give it a good stir, taste, and tweak the seasoning as needed. Pop it in the fridge—this helps the flavors meld, and you’ll be swooning over that creamy, zippy result when it’s time to dip.

Step 2: Slice, Salt, and Rest the Tomatoes

Using a serrated knife, cut your firm green tomatoes into thick, hearty slices—about 3/8-inch each. Sprinkle both sides with coarse salt and let them rest for 30 minutes. This little pause draws out excess moisture, ensuring your Fried Green Tomatoes get ultra-crispy (not soggy!).

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

Get three shallow dishes or pie plates ready. In one, mix the flour with seasonings for flavor-packed dredging. In the next, whisk together buttermilk, egg white, and hot sauce for a tangy batter. In the last, combine panko and cornmeal—this is where the magic crunch happens!

Step 4: Bread Each Tomato Slice

Pat the salted tomatoes dry. Dip each slice in the flour mixture first (shake off the excess), then submerge in the buttermilk mix, and finally coat generously in the panko-cornmeal mixture—press on the crumbs for max adhesion. Lay them in a single layer on a rack; this lets the coating “set” and ensures crisp perfection once fried.

Step 5: Fry to Golden-Brown Perfection

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or cast iron pan and heat to 350°F. Working in batches, fry the breaded tomatoes for 3–5 minutes per side. Don’t crowd the pan—give them space to get gorgeously golden and crunchy! Drain on paper towels while you fry the next round.

Step 6: Serve Hot with Remoulade

Once all your Fried Green Tomatoes are cooked, serve them immediately while they’re hot and crisp. Pile on a platter, pass around that creamy remoulade, and get ready for applause!

How to Serve Fried Green Tomatoes

Garnishes

Top your Fried Green Tomatoes with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or scallions for a pop of color and freshness. For an extra Southern flair, add a few turns of cracked black pepper or a scattering of crumbled bacon—it’s outrageously good and always wows at the table.

Side Dishes

While these tomatoes shine solo, they’re also stunning with creamy mashed potatoes, slow-cooked collard greens, or a crunchy cabbage slaw. Or, layer them into a BLT, stack on a burger, or serve over grits for a true showstopper Southern supper.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the appetizer plate! Use Fried Green Tomatoes as a rustic, edible “base” for seared shrimp or crab cakes, or slice into smaller pieces for a fresh party snack platter. They also make a quirky, delicious base for eggs Benedict—Southern brunch, unlocked!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (it’s rare, but it happens!), let the Fried Green Tomatoes cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment to keep them crisp, and refrigerate for up to two days.

Freezing

Fried Green Tomatoes can be frozen after frying. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to bags or containers. They’ll keep for up to two months and make for an unbeatable snack or side in a pinch.

Reheating

To restore their addictive crunch, reheat Fried Green Tomatoes in a hot oven (400°F) on a wire rack for 8–10 minutes, or until sizzling and crisped. Skip the microwave—it’ll make them soggy! For small batches, a hot skillet works great too.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Fried Green Tomatoes at home before, now’s your moment—these crispy, tangy bites are every bit as comforting and crowd-pleasing as you hope. Set out a platter and watch them disappear!

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