Fried green tomatoes bring back memories of hot Southern summers and my grandma’s kitchen, where the sizzle of the skillet meant something crispy and comforting was on the way. This southern-style fried green tomatoes with buttermilk recipe is my personal spin on that childhood favorite—extra crunchy on the outside thanks to a panko and cornmeal coating, with a juicy, tangy bite inside. I first made these on a whim for an easy skillet fried green tomatoes appetizer during a backyard cookout, and they disappeared before I could plate them all. The creamy Cajun remoulade adds a bold kick, making them perfect for sharing or snacking. Whether you’re craving crispy fried green tomatoes with dipping sauce or looking for a restaurant-style fried green tomatoes at home, this version delivers big flavor and big comfort.
Let’s get cooking!
🥇 The Magic Behind This Dish
- ✅ Easily adaptable – make it gluten-free, keto, or vegan.
- ✅ Crispy, golden coating with panko and cornmeal – no sogginess here!
- ✅ Zesty Cajun remoulade sauce takes the flavor to the next level.
- ✅ Great for appetizers, snacks, or brunch sides.
- ✅ Perfect fried green tomatoes in a cast iron skillet—just like in the South!
Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe – Crispy Southern Style
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern-style fried green tomatoes with a crispy cornmeal and panko crust, served with a bold and creamy Cajun remoulade sauce.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups mayonnaise
- 2½ tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- 1 tablespoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or Creole seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice (dill or sweet)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- Black pepper to taste
- 3 large firm unripe green tomatoes (about 1½ pounds)
- Coarse salt
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg white
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco)
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ⅓ cup fine white cornmeal
- 1½ cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all remoulade sauce ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Slice the green tomatoes into ⅜-inch rounds. Sprinkle both sides with coarse salt and let sit for 30 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with the flour, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper; the second with whisked buttermilk, egg white, and hot sauce; and the third with panko bread crumbs and cornmeal.
- Dredge each tomato slice in the flour mixture, then the buttermilk mixture, and finally the panko-cornmeal mixture. Press gently to ensure coating sticks. Set aside on a wire rack.
- In a cast iron skillet, heat oil to 350°F. Fry 3–4 slices at a time for 3–5 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
- Serve hot with chilled Cajun remoulade sauce.
Notes
- Salt the tomatoes first to remove moisture and prevent sogginess.
- Use firm, unripe green tomatoes for best texture and flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute flour and panko with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free mayo and almond milk with flaxseed meal instead of egg.
- You can air fry at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes per side instead of frying in oil.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 547 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 35 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Ingredients for Fried Green Tomatoes
🥫 For the Remoulade Sauce:
- 1¼ cups mayonnaise
- 2½ tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dill or sweet pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- Black pepper to taste
🍅 For the Fried Tomatoes:
- 3 large firm unripe green tomatoes (~1½ pounds)
- Coarse salt
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg white
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ⅓ cup fine white cornmeal
- 1½ cups vegetable oil (for frying)
👉 For a gluten-free version, swap flour and panko with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
👉 For a vegan version, use plant-based mayo and almond milk + ground flaxseed instead of egg.
How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes – Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Remoulade Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayo, mustard, paprika, parsley, horseradish, lemon juice, seasoning, pickle juice, hot sauce, garlic, and black pepper. Chill in the fridge while you fry the tomatoes for the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Prep the Tomatoes
Slice green tomatoes into ⅜-inch rounds. Sprinkle both sides with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes. This draws out excess moisture and prevents sogginess. Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 3: Set Up a Breading Station
- Dish 1: Combine flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Dish 2: Whisk together buttermilk, egg white, and hot sauce.
- Dish 3: Mix panko breadcrumbs and cornmeal.
Step 4: Bread the Tomato Slices
Dip each tomato slice in the flour mixture, then the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat with the cornmeal-panko mix. Press gently to adhere. Place coated slices on a wire rack to rest.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
In a cast iron skillet, heat oil to 350°F. Fry 3–4 slices at a time, 3–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Serve with Sauce
Serve hot, paired with chilled Cajun remoulade for dipping.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Fried Green Tomatoes
- Use firm, unripe green tomatoes for best texture and tang.
- Let the salted tomato slices sit for 30 minutes to prevent sogginess.
- Want extra crunch? Double coat by repeating the breading process.
- Make ahead tip: Bread the slices and store them in the fridge up to 4 hours before frying.
- No buttermilk? Use milk + lemon juice or a vegan alternative.
- Air fryer? Use the same coating and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes per side.
Best Ways to Serve Fried Green Tomatoes
Wondering what goes well with fried green tomatoes? Here are some crowd-pleasing ideas:
- Pair with spicy remoulade or ranch for dipping.
- Serve as a brunch side with eggs and grits.
- Stack in a BLT sandwich or top a burger.
- Add to a Southern-style platter with fried okra and coleslaw.
- Serve with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 547 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
👉 For a low-carb version, use crushed pork rinds instead of panko and almond flour in place of AP flour.
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze breaded (uncooked) slices for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Use a toaster oven or air fryer for best crispiness.
You Asked, We Answered
Q: Can I make fried green tomatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Bread them in advance and refrigerate until ready to fry.
Q: How do I make gluten-free fried green tomatoes?
Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Q: What’s the secret to crispy fried green tomatoes?
Salt the tomatoes first, use panko + cornmeal for coating, and fry at the right temperature (350°F).
Q: Can I make fried green tomatoes without buttermilk or eggs?
Yes, use almond milk + lemon juice and skip the egg by using aquafaba or flaxseed gel.
Q: How long do fried green tomatoes last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days, but they’re best enjoyed fresh.
Q: Are fried green tomatoes keto-friendly?
They can be! Use pork rinds or almond flour for the coating and avoid cornmeal.
More Tasty Ideas to Explore
If you love fried green tomatoes, you might also enjoy:
- Cheeseburger French Fry Bake – Easy Dinner Idea
- Cajun Fried Corn Wingstop – Spicy Party Snack
- Pizza Chips – Easy Baked Snack for Parties
Before You Go
Crispy, tangy, and full of Southern charm, these fried green tomatoes are everything you want in a comfort snack. With a crunchy panko and cornmeal coating and a punchy Cajun remoulade, they’re the perfect appetizer or side for any gathering. Whether you’re going gluten-free, keto, or vegan, this recipe can flex to fit your lifestyle.
Now you know how to make the best fried green tomatoes at home—restaurant quality, skillet simple. Try it out, and let me know in the comments: What’s your favorite dipping sauce for fried green tomatoes?
👇 Don’t forget to share this recipe with your foodie friends or save it for your next weekend craving.
