Southern Fried Green Tomatoes with Spicy Remoulade

Love fried green tomatoes recipes? This Southern classic gets a kick with a spicy remoulade! Crispy, tangy, and ready in under an hour. Get the recipe!

Alright, let's dive into the delicious world of fried green tomatoes recipes ! have you ever wondered what to do with those stubborn green tomatoes at the end of the season? well, i have the answer, and it involves crispy, tangy goodness.

Oh My Gosh, Fried Green Tomatoes!

Honestly, there's something magical about green fried tomatoes . They're not just a dish, they're a taste of the South. Did you know that while many believe this dish originated in the South, it was first popularized in the Northeast and Midwest of the United States?

What's the Big Deal About These Fried Sides ?

Fried green tomatoes recipes are more than just a tasty snack; they're a culinary experience. This recipe brings together the tartness of unripe tomatoes with a satisfyingly crunchy coating.

A Southern Staple, Made Easy

This isn't your grandma's fancy southern food, although it tastes like it. it’s a simple, straightforward recipe that even a novice cook can nail.

We're talking about a medium difficulty level, taking about 50- 55 minutes from start to finish, and yielding enough for 4-6 people to enjoy.

Why You'll Love These Tangy Treats

One of the best things is that it lets you use up those end of season green tomatoes. No waste!

A Nutritional Nudge

While these are definitely a treat, they offer a little bit of vitamin c from the tomatoes. plus, they are perfect for those who look for gluten-free options for their fried green tomatoes recipes easy .

Perfect for Any Occasion

These are amazing as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a vegetarian main course. Imagine serving these at your next BBQ – total crowd-pleaser!

What Makes These Special?

The spicy remoulade. it adds this incredible creamy, tangy, spicy kick that balances the tartness of the tomatoes perfectly. seriously, you'll want to put it on everything .

It takes your average fried green tomatoes sauce to next level.

Now, let's gather up our ingredients so you can make this dish a regular treat.

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. We're talkin' fried green tomatoes recipes , right? And not just any fried green tomato recipes , but the kind that'll make your grandma jealous.

Gettin' Your Ducks in a Row: Ingredients & Equipment

Honestly, this ain’t rocket science, but good ingredients make all the difference. It will also guide us in the question of what can I do with tomatoes .

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

• Green Tomatoes: You'll need 2-3 large ones. That’s about 1-1.5 lbs (or 450-680g for our metric friends). They gotta be firm, like they just aren’t ready to party yet. Soft tomatoes lead to sad, soggy green fried tomatoes .
• Flour Power: 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour ( 60g ) for the first coating. This helps the egg stick.
• Cornmeal Magic: 1 cup of finely ground yellow cornmeal ( 120g ). This is what gives that crispy, Southern goodness.
• Egg-cellent Dip: 2 large eggs, beaten. Add a splash of 1/4 cup of milk ( 60ml ) to loosen 'em up.
• Oil Slick: Vegetable or canola oil for frying – about 2 cups ( 475ml ).

Seasoning Notes: Sprinkles of Joy

Now, about that flavour!

• Spice Squad: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder. About 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic and onion powder each. Don't be shy!
• The Remoulade Rumble: Mayo, Dijon, horseradish, lemon juice, Creole seasoning, parsley, hot sauce, cayenne. This fried green tomatoes sauce is the bomb.
• Substitutions: No Creole seasoning? Paprika, garlic, onion powder, cayenne, oregano and thyme got your back.

Equipment Needed: Keepin' It Simple

No need to break the bank. This is fried green tomato recipes easy , right?

• Dishes, Dishes, Dishes: Three shallow dishes (pie plates work great) for your breading assembly line.
• Frying Pan: A large skillet or Dutch oven.
• Slotted Spoon: For rescuing those golden nuggets.
• Paper Towels: To soak up the extra oil.
• Thermometer: An optional thermometer helps keep the temperature stable during cooking.

Honestly, how to make fried green tomatoes ain’t complicated. it’s about quality ingredients and a little bit of love. just imagine serving these as part of your next meal of fancy southern food .

What about those what to do with end of season green tomatoes that never turned red? this is a winner.

This is a great addition to your collection of fried sides .

Right then, let's talk fried green tomatoes recipes ! i reckon most folks think fancy southern food when they hear that, but honestly, it's dead easy.

My grandma used to whip these up with whatever was left in the garden. think whistle stop cafe vibes, but in your kitchen!

Preppin' for Tomato Greatness

First things first: the mise en place . get your stuff together, yeah? slice up 2-3 firm, green tomatoes about 1/4 inch thick.

It is crucial that you don't use red ones. then, get your bowls ready for your flour, eggs, and cornmeal.

Quick tip: whisk those eggs with 1/4 cup of milk beforehand.

Honest truth? organising saves you so much time. i'm speaking from experience! i used to chuck everything in the pan at once.

Disaster! seriously, get prepped. oh, and don't be a numpty – be careful with hot oil.

Let's Get Frying: Step-by-Step

Right, here we go. This fried green tomatoes recipes easy version is ace!

1. Dredge those green slices in 1/2 cup flour seasoned with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Make sure they are fully coated!
2. Dip 'em in the egg and milk mixture.
3. Next, coat them in 1 cup of that gorgeous yellow cornmeal mixed with 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Press lightly!
4. Heat about 2 cups of oil in your skillet, until a drop of breading sizzles immediately. Aim for 350- 375° F .
5. Fry 'em for 2- 3 minutes a side till they are golden brown.
6. Pop 'em onto paper towels to drain.

Pro Tips from Yours Truly

Right, listen up, 'cause i've learned the hard way. one of the top mistakes is soggy tomatoes! it is important that you dont overcrowd the pan.

Fry in batches. also, letting the tomatoes sit after breading can prevent the breading from falling off. it's like magic!

Another thing: my secret weapon? spicy remoulade. whisk 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tbsp dijon, 1 tbsp horseradish, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp creole seasoning, 1 tbsp parsley, 1 tsp hot sauce and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.

Chill it, and it's banging. perfect with fried sides like this. some fried green tomatoes sauce like this can also make all the difference.

Honestly? it can be done ahead of time. mix all the dry ingredients, prepare the breaded tomatoes and store them in the fridge.

You can prepare the remoulade a day or two ahead of time.

So there you have it, my take on green fried tomatoes . what to do with end of season green tomatoes? fry them! i tell you, there's nothing quite like a plate of freshly how to make fried green tomatoes .

It is a great way to deal with "what can i do with tomatoes?". give it a go, and let me know what you think!

Alright, let's dive into some extra juicy details about these Fried Green Tomatoes Recipes . We're talkin' all the little things that elevate this dish from good to Oh my gosh, where have these been all my life?

Recipe Notes

Right, so you've nailed the basic fried green tomato recipes easy . now what? let's talk about taking 'em to the next level! i swear, it's all about the little touches.

I like to think about serving these southern beauties, like, what can i do with tomatoes? a fried sides is always a good idea!

Serving Suggestions: Gettin' Fancy with Your Fried Greens

Okay, honestly, fried green tomatoes are already pretty special, but the way you present 'em? chef's kiss! think about a rustic wooden board, stacked high with those golden discs.

Or, if you're feeling fancy southern food, arrange 'em artfully on a white plate with a dollop of that spicy remoulade we talked about.

Don't forget your sides! some creamy coleslaw balances the acidity beautifully. a sweet iced tea is a total must. oh! and what to do with end of season green tomatoes ? well, this recipe can be served as an appetizer with the fried green tomatoes sauce ; if that's too much fried for you, a simple side salad works too.

Storage Tips: Keepin' 'Em Crispy

Listen, these are best fresh. No doubt. But, if you've got leftovers (and let's be real, that rarely happens), here's the lowdown.

Pop 'em in the fridge in an airtight container. they'll keep for a day or two, but they'll lose some of that delightful crispness.

Reheating? honestly, the best way is a quick blast in a hot oven or air fryer to try and revive that crunch.

Avoid the microwave, unless you fancy sad, soggy tomatoes. freezing isn't really recommended; they just get too mushy.

Variations: Mix It Up, Buttercup!

Want to add your own flair? Go for it! One of my favs? A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some Italian herbs in the cornmeal. Suddenly, it's a whole different ballgame.

Need a dietary tweak? no worries! use gluten-free flour and cornmeal for a gf version. or, how to make fried green tomatoes vegan? sub the egg for a flax egg (flaxseed meal + water).

Works like a charm.

Nutrition Basics: Food that's not only tasty but fairly healthy

Right, so what can i do with tomatoes nutrition wise, is quite interesting, these tasty delights offer a modest calorie count alongside some fiber and trace vitamins.

The cornmeal breading offers carbohydrates which provide energy, while the frying process, unfortunately, adds quite a bit of fat, this can be reduced by using an air fryer or by reducing the amount of oil used.

So there you have it! with these extra tips, you're well on your way to green fried tomatoes glory. honestly? just have fun with it! it's food, not brain surgery.

Get creative, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy the deliciousness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my fried green tomatoes soggy? How can I prevent this?

Soggy fried green tomatoes are a right bummer, aren't they? Usually, it's down to a few culprits: the oil wasn't hot enough, the pan was overcrowded, or the tomatoes weren't patted dry enough before breading. Make sure your oil is between 350-375°F (175-190°C), fry in batches, and give those tomato slices a good pat-down with a paper towel before they hit the breading station. Letting the breaded tomatoes rest for 15 minutes before frying will also help the breading adhere and prevent sogginess, too. Think of it like letting a cuppa tea steep - it needs a little time to get just right!

Can I use any kind of green tomatoes for these fried green tomatoes recipes?

Not all green tomatoes are created equal! You want tomatoes that are firm, unripe, and still green all the way through. Avoid any that are starting to show signs of ripening (turning yellow or red) as these will be too soft and won't hold their shape during frying. If you pick some green tomatoes, but then start to see they are turning red. Remove them and use immediately to prevent further ripening.

What can I serve with fried green tomatoes?

Fried green tomatoes are incredibly versatile. Of course, they're wonderful with the suggested spicy remoulade, which is almost non-negotiable! Beyond that, try serving them as a side with grilled chicken or fish, or as a unique topping for a BLT. You can even get creative and serve them over grits or alongside a hearty breakfast spread – think of it as a Southern-style eggs Benedict alternative! They are also great as a snack on their own.

How long do fried green tomatoes last, and how should I store them?

Like most fried foods, fried green tomatoes are best enjoyed immediately while they're hot and crispy. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be warned, though: they'll lose their crispness. To reheat, try baking them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to help crisp them up a bit, but they'll never be quite as good as fresh from the pan. A quick blast under the grill/broiler can also work in a pinch, but watch them carefully so they don't burn! Don't expect them to stay crispy - they will never be.

Can I make fried green tomatoes ahead of time?

To maximize the crispness of your fried green tomatoes, it’s best to bread them shortly before frying. However, you can slice the tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Similarly, the remoulade sauce can be made a day or two in advance. Reheating fully fried green tomatoes is rarely successful, as it is difficult to regain the original level of crispness and they tend to become soggy when reheated.

Are fried green tomatoes healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown?

Let's be honest, fried green tomatoes aren't exactly a health food, but they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Green tomatoes themselves are a good source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Of course, frying adds fat and calories. Baking them could reduce the fat but the texture may not be desirable. Think of them as a treat – a little bit of Southern comfort now and then never hurt anyone, did it? Enjoy them responsibly!

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