Southern Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade Sauce

Easy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are perfect for a side dish, appetizer, or on a BLT sandwich! Serve them with a creamy remoulade sauce. You decide–they are addictive!

Fried Green Tomatoes are a loved Southern dish with crispy, coated outsides, and tender insides. These tasty treats are made from unripe green tomato slices, batter in a flavorful mix, and then fried till golden brown. It’s incredible how a few unripe green tomatoes can make the perfect appetizer or side dish for any night of the week. 

Fried green tomatoes on a white plate with tomato plants in the background. Remoulade sauce in white bowl with text overlay.

Fried Green tomatoes are a southern summertime classic. Whether you are dining out or eating at home, fried green tomatoes are sure to be on the menu. Green unripened tomatoes coated in a cornmeal batter and then fried till golden brown. They are addictive, delicious, and so easy to make at home.

You know it’s summertime when every corner you pass has a vegetable stand showcasing a bounty of beautifully colored vegetables just waiting to go home with you. Among these vegetables, you are sure to find a big pile of green tomatoes.

I’m always excited for spring to roll around every year. This means it’s time to get my garden ready for those summertime plants. Cucumbers, okra, peppers, squash, zucchini, and tomatoes are always planted in my garden every year. Tomatoes are one of the first things I can’t wait to get planted. 

And every year, I NOT so patiently wait for the first “green” tomato on the vine. When it gets big enough to fry, I pick it! Nothing else screams summertime than a big plate of fried green tomatoes. 

This recipe is so simple and delicious, and the crunchy breading will make you come back for more.

Green tomatoes and fried tomatoes on plates and remoulade sauce pictured in bowls with text overlay.

What Are Green Tomatoes?

 Green tomatoes are simply tomatoes plucked from the vine before they’ve fully matured. They are firm to the touch and have a tart flavor. They are best when cooked in foods or fried to a golden brown.  A delicious recipe and a true Southern Fried food that is hard to resist.

Can You Eat Green Tomatoes?

Green tomatoes are best to eat when cooked or fried. They are very firm and have a tart flavor. Eaten off the vine; they are not very tasty, in my opinion. They are best used in cooked dishes or fried to a golden brown. 

 

Ingredients for the Best Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade Sauce

The ingredients are straightforward and easily found in your local grocery store. In addition, green tomatoes can be found in home gardens, grocery stores, and farmers markets during the summer months.

  • Green Tomatoes – Large green tomatoes are the star of the show. Green tomatoes are simply unripe tomatoes. They are not tasty to eat raw, but delicious battered and fried.
  • Self-Rising Flour – The flour gives the buttermilk mixture something to stick to. You’ll dredge tomato slices in flour first. If you don’t have self-rising flour, all-purpose flour will also work. 
  • Buttermilk – adds flavor and tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, whole milk will work.
  • Egg – A beaten egg is mixed with the buttermilk to coat the tomato slices.
  • Panko Bread Crumbs (plain, Italian, or parmesan)- The breadcrumbs help to give a nice crunchy coating to the tomatoes when fried, and they don’t absorb as much grease. Pick the crumbs you like best.
  • Cornmeal– The cornmeal mixture gives the tomatoes more crunch when fried. Yellow cornmeal or white cornmeal will work.
  • Seasonings– Just a few seasonings are needed to add flavor. Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper are the only seasonings I use. 
  • Vegetable Oil – This is used for frying green tomatoes. 
Ingredients pictured for fried green tomatoes and remoulade sauce with text overlay.

Remoulade Ingredients:

Remoulade sauce is a dunking sauce for fried green tomatoes. Some call this comeback sauce. But no matter the name, it’s fantastic! You can enjoy the tomatoes without the sauce, but the sauce adds more flavor to each bite. Make the sauce before frying the tomatoes and place into the refrigerator until ready to serve. 

  • Mayonnaise – A mayonnaise-based sauce with a little kick. Mayonnaise makes this a creamy sauce.
  • Spicy Brown Mustard– I use spicy brown mustard for this sauce, but regular yellow mustard or Dijon mustard will work in a pinch.
  • Ketchup – A little ketchup is added to this sauce for more flavor. Only two tablespoons ketchup are needed for a big flavor.
  • Creamy Prepared Horseradish – Horseradish makes this sauce a little spicy and adds fabulous flavor.
  • Lemon Juice– I used fresh lemon juice for this sauce.
  • Seasonings -Creole Seasoning, garlic powder (Cajun Seasoning and cayenne pepper can also be used if desired)

How to Make Southern Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade Sauce

Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

The process is very simple. You may find yourself frying green tomatoes a lot this summer.

Slice Tomatoes – Cut tomatoes into 1/4-1/2 inch thick slices.

 Set up Breading Stations – 

  • Set up the breading station with 3 separate dishes. Pie plates work great. 
  • 1st dish: flour
  • 2nd dish: whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
  • 3rd dish: combine the breadcrumbs, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper.

Dredge and Batter the Tomato Slices

  • Dip each tomato slice in the flour (shake off excess), followed by the buttermilk mixture, and finally, the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently.

Fry – 

  • Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet. Carefully add 3 to 4 battered tomatoes to the hot skillet. Heat pan to medium heat to medium-high heat. Do not overcrowd the skillet. Fry until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Serve with Remoulade Sauce– Place fried tomatoes on a serving plate or platter. Add a bowl of creamy remoulade on the side.

Steps shown for frying green tomatoes with text overlay.

How to Keep Fried Green Tomatoes from Getting Soggy

Make sure your oil temperature is hot before placing tomatoes in the pan. This will keep them from soaking up a lot of oil. Drain tomatoes on paper towels and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Keep them in the oven while you finish frying the rest. Do not stack the tomatoes on top of each other. Keep the tomatoes in a single layer uncovered on the pan.

Tips for Making Southern Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade Sauce

  • Make sure you choose firm green tomatoes.
  • Make sure your oil temperature is hot before placing tomatoes in the pan.
  • For best results, refrain from overcrowding the pan.
  • Place tomatoes in the skillet and leave alone for 2-3 minutes. The more you move the tomatoes, the more likely you will lose some of the breading. 
  • Use a large skillet. I use a large cast-iron skillet for frying.
  • Drain on paper towels and cool slightly before eating.
  • Refrigerate the sauce before serving it with the tomatoes. 
  • Reheat any leftovers on a sheet pan in the oven.
Easy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
Easy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

Dips:

The choice is completely up to you as far as dips go. My family likes Ranch Dressing on just about anything. But the choice is yours. 

Ranch Dressing

Remoulade Sauce

Hot Sauce

Thousand Island Dressing

How to Store Leftover Fried Green Tomatoes

Store all leftover tomatoes in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. 

Can You Reheat Fried Green Tomatoes?

  Yes- simply bake in a 350-degree oven on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for several minutes. This will give you a nice and crispy crust.  I do not recommend putting them in the microwave. They will come out soggy. Yuck!

Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
Easy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

How to Serve Fried Green Tomatoes

Caprese Salad-– change out the red tomatoes for the fried green tomatoes. Super YUM!

As an Appetizer-– these are always a hit when served as an appetizer. Many restaurants serve fried green tomatoes as appetizers. Just add some ranch for dipping.

Side Dish— Of course, you can serve these as a side dish to just about anything. No one can resist a big plate of hot, fried, and crunchy green tomatoes.

Fried Green Tomato and Bacon Sandwich–Oh. My. Goodness! Treat yourself to this heavenly sandwich. I do as much as I possibly can. Toasted bread, mayo, fried green tomatoes, and Bacon makes the most spectacular sandwich there is. Try it this summer.   

Serve on a hamburger instead of red tomatoes. You will be pleasantly surprised with the taste. 

What to Serve with Fried Green Tomatoes

 Serve fried green tomatoes with a dipping sauce. Dip tomatoes into the creamy remoulade sauce and enjoy. Anything is great with fried green tomatoes. Serve them alone as an appetizer or a side dish.

Here are a few of my favorites to serve with Fried Green Tomatoes:

Blackened Salmon

Mac and Cheese

Shrimp and Grits

Creamy Baked Pork Chops

Country Fried Cubed Steak

Sticky Chicken

The choices are endless. In my opinion, they just go with everything!

For more garden favorites check out:

Crispy Southern Fried Okra-– Crispy Southern Fried Okra is definitely a summertime treat .It’s crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Delicious! 

Cabbage and Onions-– Fried Cabbage and Onion is something you will find on many tables around the south. It’s just cabbage, and onion sauteed in a little fat and cooked down until tender.

Bacon and Broccoli Salad— Bacon and Broccoli Salad is a quick summer salad that is sure to please your family and guest and make your taste buds dance.

Pan Roasted Vegetables— an easy and delicious side dish for any weeknight or holiday. Just add your favorite vegetables, toss in olive oil, season with your favorite seasonings, and bake for about 45 minutes.

Southern Tomato Pie– Southern Tomato Pie is the ultimate comfort food made with fresh garden tomatoes, bacon, caramelized onions, fresh basil, and topped with a gooey cheese mixture.

Enjoy!

Easy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
Easy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

Recipe FAQs

Make sure your oil temperature is hot before placing tomatoes in the pan. This will keep them from soaking up a lot of oil. Also, drain fried tomatoes on a paper towel plate.

Fry until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes per side.

Easy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

Easy Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade Sauce

Gina Abernathy
Fried Green tomatoes are a southern summertime classic. This recipe is so simple and delicious. The crunchy breading and creamy remoulade sauce will have you come back for more.
5 from 17 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

Remoulade Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons creamy prepared horseradish
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Green Tomatoes Ingredients:

  • 3 large Green Tomatoes firm
  • 1 cup Self-Rising flour
  • ½ cup Buttermilk you may use milk if you don't have buttermilk
  • 1 Egg beaten
  • 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs plain, Italian, or parmesan
  • ¾ cup Cornmeal
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • cups Vegetable Oil for frying

Instructions
 

Remoulade Sauce

  • Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and whisk well. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Fried Green Tomatoes

    Prep:

    • Make the dipping sauce and refrigerate until ready to use.
    • Cut tomatoes into ¼-½ inch thick slices.
    • Set up the breading station with 3 separate dishes. Pie plates work great. 
      1st dish: flour
      2nd dish: whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
      3rd dish: combine the breadcrumbs, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper.
    • Add oil to a cast iron skillet.

    How To:

    • Dip each tomato slice in the flour (shake off excess), followed by the buttermilk mixture, and finally, the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently.
    • Place the breaded tomato slices in a single layer on a wire rack or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let sit while you heat the oil.
    • Warm the oil over medium-high heat in a large cast iron skillet until it reaches 350 degrees. The oil should sizzle when the tomatoes are added.
    • Carefully add 3 to 4 battered tomatoes to the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the skillet. Fry until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
    • Transfer the fried tomatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Fry the remaining tomato slices.
    • Serve immediately with the dipping sauce.

    Notes

    Note: The tomatoes will be very hot. Let cool slightly before taking a bite.
    Keyword fried green tomatoes

    25 Comments

    1. 5 stars
      Since I have never tried fried green tomatoes, but I have heard so much about them (probably because of the movie :))) I am really curious about your recipe, they seem very crunchy and delicious.!!!
      I’ll try them soon

    2. 5 stars
      Anytime I see cornmeal in a recipe I get so excited. I know the recipe is going to be good and crunchy. Growing up in the south fried green tomatoes were a staple in my home. So yummy.

    3. 5 stars
      this is such a great appetizer, something I can try the next time I go for grocery I will look for green tomatoes

    4. You completely accidentally just started a war. I looooove green tomatoes. My mom makes them but rarely. Guess whose gonna beg for some alllll weekend lol.

    5. 5 stars
      My kids and I just went to our local farm and picked tomatoes and we got tons of green ones! I can’t wait to use this recipe to make some fried green tomatoes.

    6. 5 stars
      Fried green tomatoes are gorgeous. I absolutely love the tart flavor and crunch. Thanks for this simple recipe.

    7. 5 stars
      What a great way to use green tomatoes! Love it! And we particularly enjoyed your remoulade sauce recipe! Thanks!

    8. 5 stars
      I love eating fried green tomatoes, but have never made them- you make it seem so simple! Can’t wait to try these out!

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