Fried Green Tomatoes

Few dishes say Southern summer quite like fried green tomatoes. From family kitchens to Alabama cafés, this simple recipe has been perfected across generations. Crispy on the outside, tender and tangy on the inside, fried green tomatoes are a staple across the Heart of Dixie.

Classic Alabama Fried Green Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 4 large green tomatoes
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Slice tomatoes about ¼ inch thick.
2. In one bowl mix eggs and buttermilk.
3. In another bowl combine flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper and paprika.
4. Dip each tomato slice into the egg mixture, then coat in the cornmeal mixture.
5. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
6. Fry tomatoes about 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Tip: Many Alabama cooks swear by White Lily flour and a cast iron skillet for the perfect texture.

Fried Green Tomatoes with Comeback Sauce

Comeback Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Mix all ingredients together and chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Fried Green Tomatoes with Pimento Cheese

A popular twist found in Southern restaurants.

After frying the tomatoes:

• Top each slice with homemade pimento cheese
• Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions
• Serve as an appetizer or sandwich filling

This version is especially popular in farm to table restaurants across Alabama.

Fried Green Tomato BLT

Turn the classic side dish into a full meal.

Layer on toasted bread:

• Fried green tomatoes
• Crispy bacon
• Lettuce
• Duke’s mayonnaise

The tangy tomato replaces the traditional red tomato and adds incredible flavor.

Alabama Kitchen Tips

• Always use firm, unripe green tomatoes
• Let coated tomatoes sit for 5 minutes before frying so the breading sticks
• Fry in cast iron for the best crust
• Peanut oil or vegetable oil both work well