Description
Enjoy the crispy, golden goodness of Fried Red Tomatoes, a classic Southern appetizer featuring ripe tomato slices coated in a seasoned blend of cornmeal and breadcrumbs, then fried to perfection. This easy-to-make dish offers a deliciously crunchy texture and is perfect for serving as a side dish or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomatoes
- 3 large ripe red tomatoes, sliced ½-inch thick
Coating
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, enough for ½ inch depth in skillet
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes into ½-inch thick rounds. Place them on paper towels, lightly salt both sides, and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry thoroughly to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Set Up Dredging Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and the third with a mixture of cornmeal, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This setup ensures each slice is evenly coated.
- Coat Tomato Slices: Dip each tomato slice first in the flour, coating all sides, then into the egg and milk mixture, and finally press into the breadcrumb-cornmeal mixture, ensuring a firm, even covering for a crisp finish.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to a depth of ½ inch and heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking, ideal for frying to golden crispiness without burning.
- Fry Tomatoes: Fry the coated tomato slices in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried tomatoes and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, remoulade, or spicy mayo.
Notes
- Serve with ranch dressing, remoulade, or spicy mayo for a flavorful dip.
- For extra crunch, double-dip the tomato slices in the egg and breadcrumb mixtures.
- Use firm, ripe tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 slices
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
