It’s unthinkable to pass up a plate of fried green tomatoes in the South.

Learn how to make fried green tomatoes, plus how to serve and store them.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins

What’s So Special About Fried Green Tomatoes?

fried green tomatoes stacked

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins

Upon mention, many people think of the 1991 movie of the same name starringKathy Batesand Jessica Tandy.

Here’s everything you need.

Drain on paper towels or a rack.

fried green tomatoes in a stack

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Sprinkle hot tomatoes with salt.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the purposes of this recipe, yes.

Picking the perfect green tomato is a vital part of fried green tomatoes.

Southern Living Fried Green Tomatoes getting ready to bread the tomato slices

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Dailey

Look for a tomato that is still completely green but mature.

Flip the tomato over and look at the blossom end.

If it’s full and plump, it’s mature.

Southern Living Fried Green Tomatoes dredging the tomatoes in the cornmeal and buttermilk

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Dailey

If it still has some bumps, it’s not quite ready.

You want as little gel around the seeds as possible.

Green tomatoes are more firm and crisp than ripe red tomatoes.

Southern Living Fried Green Tomatoes frying the tomatoes and draining them

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They will hold up better while being fried, and they won’t turn into a mushy mess.

A ripe tomato is very soft and will likely fall apart during the breading or frying.

Green tomatoes are great to eat without frying.

Southern Living Fried Green Tomatoes on a rack set on top of a baking sheet

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Dailey

They are more tart and acidic.