Chef John's Fried Green Tomatoes

Chef John's Fried Green Tomatoes

4 servings
Chef John's Fried Green Tomato recipe promises the tangy, fresh taste of sliced green tomato rolled in cornmeal breading and fried to a golden brown.

Ingredients

  • slices green tomato
    4
  • salt
    1 tsp
  • cornmeal
    ¾ c
  • bread crumbs
    ¾ c
  • cayenne pepper
    1 pinch
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • eggs
    2
  • milk
    2 tbsp
  • all-purpose flour
    1 c
  • vegetable oil
    3 tbsp
  • butter
    1 tbsp
  • sweet pickle relish
    2 tbsp
  • mayonnaise
    2 tbsp
  • hot sauce
    2 tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Arrange tomato slices on a rack set over paper towels; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Set aside until excess moisture drawn out, about 15 minutes.

  2. 2

    Combine cornmeal and bread crumbs in a shallow bowl; stir in remaining ½ teaspoon salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Beat eggs and milk together in a separate bowl; place flour in a third bowl.

  3. 3

    Pat tomato slices dry with paper towels. Coat slices, one at a time, on both sides in flour, letting rest in flour for about 30 seconds. Dip in egg mixture, then dredge in cornmeal mixture, coating both sides, pressing into crevices with a fork. Place tomatoes on rack to let coating set, about 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Meanwhile, combine sweet pickle relish, mayonnaise, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.

  5. 5

    Heat oil with butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until butter melts, bubbles, and sizzles. Add tomatoes carefully to hot butter-oil mixture; fry until slightly soft and golden brown, using a spatula and a fork to flip, 3 to 4 minutes per side.

  6. 6

    Transfer fried green tomatoes to a serving platter; serve with remoulade sauce.

    Step 6
Chef John's Fried Green Tomatoes

Chef John's Fried Green Tomatoes

50 min4 servings514 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving that quintessential Southern comfort food experience at home? Chef John's Fried Green Tomatoes deliver a delightful balance of vibrant tang and irresistible crispness, perfect for any meal or occasion.

This recipe truly shines by taking the humble green tomato and transforming it into something extraordinary. The secret lies in its perfectly seasoned cornmeal and bread crumb coating, which fries to an exquisite golden brown. But what truly sets this dish apart is the thoughtful inclusion of a creamy, zesty dipping sauce, complementing the fried tomatoes beautifully.

Prepare for a sensory delight with these fried green tomatoes. You'll bite into a substantial crisp, golden crust that gives way to the tender, subtly tangy interior of the green tomato. The combination of cornmeal and bread crumbs ensures a fantastic crunch in every piece, while a hint of cayenne pepper offers a gentle warmth. Served alongside a rich, creamy sauce made from sweet pickle relish, mayonnaise, and hot sauce, each bite is a perfect blend of savory, tangy, and subtly spicy flavors, making for an incredibly satisfying dish.

While the classic preparation is stellar, you can easily customize these fried green tomatoes to your liking. For those who love extra heat, simply increase the cayenne pepper in the breading mixture or add more hot sauce to your dipping sauce. You could also experiment with a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder in the flour for an added layer of savory depth.

These crispy, golden fried green tomatoes make a fantastic appetizer to share, a delightful side dish for a family dinner, or even a unique component for a brunch spread. Serve them warm, allowing the flavors and textures to truly pop, perhaps with a garnish of fresh herbs if you wish.

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