By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 14, 2026
Serves 6
242 cal · 35 min
Tangy Fried Green Tomatoes
Recipe GLPR55fcb710efc44c
Firm green tomatoes are sliced, coated in a seasoned cornmeal and flour breading, then pan-fried until golden and crispy. Fresh lemon juice brightens the savory exterior, creating a tangy contrast to the tart fruit inside. A Southern classic that makes an excellent main course or appetizer.
Save recipes you love
Create a free Grocery List Plus account to save recipes, rate them, and add every ingredient to your grocery list in one tap.
Ingredients
6-7 medium firm green tomatoes
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
1 lemon
Cooking oil for frying
Directions
Wash the green tomatoes and pat them dry with paper towels. Slice each tomato into 1/4-inch thick rounds, discarding the stem ends.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
In another shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and dried basil. Mix until evenly distributed.
Heat 1/2 inch of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F, or until a small piece of bread browns in about 60 seconds.
Working in batches to avoid crowding, dip each tomato slice into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned cornmeal mixture on both sides.
Carefully place the breaded tomato slices into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked slices to a paper towel-lined plate.
Cut the lemon into wedges. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the warm fried tomatoes just before serving to add tang and brightness.
Comments
Fried green tomatoes hit a sweet spot for Charlotte: green tomatoes show up at farmers markets and produce stands June through September, and this recipe leans into Southern tradition without pretension. Every ingredient is a basic stock item at any Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Kroger, or Walmart—nothing demands a special trip. At roughly $0.60 to $0.80 per serving, it's genuinely cheap, driven mostly by the oil (which you'll use only a cup or so) and eggs. The stated 35 minutes is honest if you work steadily, though breading and frying six servings means you'll spend 8 to 10 minutes at the stove itself. The real limitation is that fried food tastes best eaten fresh, still crispy—leftovers turn soggy within hours even refrigerated, so this is a same-night dish that doesn't stretch into lunch.
Sign in or create a free account to add your review.
