If you’ve never had fried green tomatoes, there’s a reason why an entire ’80s movie was named after them! Crispy on the outside, with a sweet and tart center, they are one of my favorite foods. While frying is the classic preparation, there is so much more you can do with these under-ripe treats. Here are the 30 best green tomato recipes to make when your garden is just beginning to produce its beautiful bounty.
What Are Green Tomatoes?
There are actually two types of green tomatoes: those that are indeed unripe, and others that are actually green when fully ripened, usually an heirloom variety. So, how are you supposed to tell the difference? Normally those that are supposed to be green, as in they are as ripe as they can get, have vertical stripes or other color variations. They will also feel soft when gently squeezed and will taste sweet like their red cousins. Unripe red tomatoes (the ones known for frying) will be firm to the touch, pale green all over and have a much more acidic, tart flavor.
Where To Buy Green Tomatoes
At your local farmers’ markets! We have a market held every Saturday downtown and there are several fruit and veggie sellers. One of them knows my husband instantly and always has green tomatoes set aside for him. These people are your neighbors and they are happy to help you find whatever you need! But what if you can only make it to your local grocery store? Good news: Many of them have started to carry green tomatoes on a regular basis. They are usually right next to the ripe ones, just in a smaller selection, but sometimes they can even be found off season.
How To Cook Green Tomatoes
I learned to make this beloved summer dish from my grandma. She always used a simple dredge of flour, egg, flour and then pan fried them in about 2 inches of oil. This is a classic preparation I will still use this method today, but I have also found I can “oven fry” green tomatoes by coating them in flour, egg and then panko bread crumbs. Spraying with a little cooking spray and baking them in a 400-degree oven until browned and crispy. You can also use the air fryer for a quick snack!
Best Green Tomato Recipes
Of course I found some traditional fried green tomato versions, including classic, keto-friendly and cornflake-crusted recipes. The Green Tomato Salsa Verde will be a hit at your next backyard party, so be sure to grab extra tortilla chips! A Fried Green Tomato BLT or Po’Boy are tasty sandwiches for a simple summer supper. The Green Tomato Toast or Green Tomato Pie could be the star of your next Sunday brunch. Or, if think Eggs Benedict is the ultimate brunch indulgence, take it to the next level with Fried Green Tomato Eggs Benedict. Green tomatoes are truly one of summer time’s hidden gems. Knowing they aren’t just for frying anymore opens up a whole new world of delicious recipes to enjoy the minute the garden starts to produce them!
