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Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe with Easy Buttermilk Ranch Sauce

crispy fried green tomatoes - featured image

A Southern-inspired recipe featuring crispy fried green tomatoes paired with a tangy, homemade buttermilk ranch sauce. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish with a satisfying crunch and balanced flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 medium green tomatoes, firm and unripe
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying (about 1 inch depth)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the green tomatoes. Slice into ½-inch thick rounds and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
  4. Dip each tomato slice into the flour mixture, tapping off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and again into the flour mixture. Place coated slices on a wire rack.
  5. Pour about 1 inch of oil into a skillet and heat over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping a pinch of flour; it should sizzle immediately.
  6. Fry the tomato slices in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Flip gently with a slotted spoon or tongs.
  7. Remove fried tomatoes and drain on paper towels or a wire rack. Season with salt while hot.
  8. While frying, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Chill until serving.
  9. Serve fried green tomatoes warm with the chilled buttermilk ranch sauce for dipping.

Notes

Use firm, dry green tomatoes for best crispiness. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid soggy or burnt coating. Double dredge (flour, egg, flour) ensures a sturdy crust. Make ranch sauce fresh before serving for best flavor. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried green tomatoes, buttermilk ranch sauce, Southern recipe, crispy fried tomatoes, appetizer, snack, gluten-free option