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southern crispy green tomatoes

Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes

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These crispy fried green tomatoes deliver the perfect balance of tangy, savory flavors with an irresistible Southern crunch. The firm, slightly acidic tomatoes are coated in a spicy-sweet mustard mixture and cornmeal before being fried to golden perfection in bacon drippings, creating a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 165
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup bacon drippings
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 medium green tomatoes chilled
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Slotted spatula
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Slice the chilled green tomatoes into uniform 1/2-inch slices.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, paprika, ground red pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until you have a smooth paste.
  3. Generously spread the mustard mixture on both sides of each tomato slice.
  4. Pour the yellow cornmeal onto a plate or shallow dish, then gently press each mustard-coated tomato slice into the cornmeal, coating both sides completely.
  5. Heat the bacon drippings in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  6. Carefully place the coated tomato slices in the hot drippings, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if needed).
  7. Fry for about 3 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust.
  8. Use a slotted spatula to transfer the fried tomatoes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  9. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcal

Notes

For the best texture, make sure your green tomatoes are truly unripe and firm—those just starting to turn yellow might be too soft. Chilling the tomatoes before slicing helps them maintain their structure during frying. While bacon drippings provide authentic Southern flavor, you can substitute with vegetable oil if necessary. These fried green tomatoes are delicious served with buttermilk ranch or remoulade sauce for dipping.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore some crispness.

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