Crispy, Juicy, and Full of Southern Charm
Hey friend! If you’re craving a crispy, comforting treat that’s bursting with juicy tomato goodness, these Fried Red Tomatoes are here to save the day. Imagine thick slices of ripe, red tomatoes, coated in a crunchy, golden crust that snaps with every bite, revealing a warm, tender center. It’s a classic Southern delight that feels like a cozy hug on a plate—simple, satisfying, and downright addictive.
Whether you’re serving them as a side, appetizer, or just because, trust me, these fried gems will have everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love Fried Red Tomatoes
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a crunchy side dish anytime.
Budget-Friendly: Uses fresh tomatoes and pantry basics for a wallet-friendly snack.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with easy steps anyone can follow.
Customizable: Spice up the coating with your favorite herbs or a pinch of cayenne.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike love the crispy, juicy combo.
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Ingredients in Fried Red Tomatoes
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Ripe Red Tomatoes: Thickly sliced for juicy, flavorful bites.
Flour: For the first layer of coating to help the batter stick.
Cornmeal: Adds that signature Southern crunch and golden color.
Eggs: Beaten, to bind the coating to the tomatoes.
Milk or Buttermilk: Mixed with eggs for dipping.
Salt and Pepper: To season the coating perfectly.
Oil for Frying: Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works great for frying.
Optional Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne for extra flavor.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prep the Tomatoes
Slice the tomatoes into thick rounds (about ½ inch). Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Prepare the Breading Stations
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk or buttermilk, and one with cornmeal seasoned with salt and optional spices.
Coat the Tomatoes
Dip each tomato slice first in the flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally coat generously with the cornmeal mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well.
Fry the Tomatoes
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tomato slices in batches until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Drain and Serve
Remove the fried tomatoes and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Fried Red Tomatoes
Classic Side: Pair with fried chicken or a hearty breakfast.
Sandwich Topping: Add to burgers or BLTs for extra crunch and flavor.
Appetizer: Serve with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mayo.
Salad Addition: Chop and toss into a fresh green salad for a crispy surprise.
Additional Tips
Use Ripe but Firm Tomatoes: They hold up better to frying without turning mushy.
Don’t Skip Drying: Removing moisture helps the coating stick and fry up crisp.
Control Oil Temperature: Too hot burns the coating; too cool makes it greasy.
Try Buttermilk: It adds tang and tenderizes the tomatoes slightly.
Keep Warm: Place fried tomatoes on a baking sheet in a warm oven if frying in batches.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A1: Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) on a greased sheet until crispy, about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q2: Can I use green tomatoes?
A2: Absolutely! Fried green tomatoes are a beloved variation with a tangier flavor.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to keep crisp.
Q4: Can I make them gluten-free?
A4: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornmeal.
Q5: What’s the best oil for frying?
A5: Use oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Conclusion
Fried Red Tomatoes are a crispy, juicy, and utterly delicious treat that brings a taste of Southern comfort straight to your kitchen. With their golden crust and tender, flavorful interior, they’re the perfect way to enjoy fresh tomatoes in a fun, crunchy way. So grab some ripe tomatoes and get ready to fry up a batch of these irresistible delights—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Fried Red Tomatoes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fried Red Tomatoes are a crispy, golden treat where fresh, ripe tomatoes are coated in seasoned flour and fried until crispy on the outside, soft and juicy on the inside. A perfect savory snack or side dish to complement any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dip Tomatoes: In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Dip each tomato slice first into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring each slice is evenly coated.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot, about 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Tomatoes: Fry the coated tomato slices in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried tomatoes from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a side dish or snack with dipping sauce of choice (e.g., ranch or marinara).
Notes
- Use firm, ripe tomatoes for best results — overripe tomatoes may become too soft when fried.
- For extra crunch, double-coat the tomato slices (dip them in egg and flour mixture twice).
- Serve with a spicy dipping sauce or a creamy ranch dressing for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg