This post may contain affiliate links, Please see my disclosure policy to learn more.

This is a super simple, frugal recipe for Fried Green Tomatoes. This is a perfect starter recipe for those who have never made fried green tomatoes before. You can use orange or red tomatoes as long as they are still really firm.

Slice the tomatoes, I prefer them to be around 1/4 inch thick. Season each side with salt and pepper, or garlic pepper. For a spicier version, try Cajun or Creole seasoning.

Place cornmeal in a bowl; dip and coat each tomato slice until thoroughly coated. Allow to sit for a couple of minutes and re-coat if needed. Most recipes call for the tomatoes to be dipped in an egg wash, milk, or buttermilk before dipping in the cornmeal. For this frugal recipe, there is no need for batters or dips. Salting both sides of the slices and allowing the cornmeal to sit for a few minutes before frying creates the breading.

Fry till just past golden. I’ve previously fried them using both bacon fat and butter, both are yummy.

All-purpose flour can be substituted for the cornmeal or Jiffy Cornbread Muffin mix for a sweeter taste.

Print Recipe

Fried Green Tomatoes

Course: Side Dish

Servings:

Calories: 220kcal

Ingredients

4 large green tomatoes
½ cup cornmeal, or more as needed
salt and pepper
¼ cup vegetable oil, more as needed

Instructions

Cut tomatoes around ¼ inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper (if you like spicy use Cajun or Creole seasoning).
Place cornmeal (flour or Jiffy Cornbread Muffin mix can be sub'd) in a bowl; dip and coat each tomato slice until thoroughly coated. Allow to sit for a few minutes before frying.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Place coated tomato slices in the hot oil; fry until the coating is browned and crusty. 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with remaining tomato slices, add more oil if needed.

Nutrition

SaleBestseller No. 1

P.A.N. White Corn Meal – Pre-cooked Gluten Free and Kosher Flour for Arepas (2 lb 3.27 Oz / Pack of 1)

THE MOST POPULAR WHITE CORN MEAL – Pre-cooked white corn meal P.A.N. from Empresas Polar is made with 100% selected White Corn which allows to obtain a soft dough ideal for the preparation of traditional Latin-American dishes. It has become one of the most popular and cherished brands of pre-cooked cornmeal
EASY TO PREPARE – Our white corn meal is pre-cooked, meaning your delicious meals will take less time to be ready! Just by adding water, P.A.N. makes instant corn dough, creating a variety of delicious corn based dishes. It can be cooked on a cast iron pan, grill, arepa maker, arepa toaster, griddle or oven. Cook it without oil for a fat free version! Keep in a clean, dry place
GET READY FOR CREATIVE AND TRADITIONAL MEALS – Perfect to prepare a substitute for bread in a latino brunch and main ingredient for Venezuelan, Colombian or Mexican recipes such as crisp arepas, arepas dulces (sweet arepas), cornbread, corn pancakes, empanadas, tortillas, polenta, galletas (corn cookies), hallacas venezolanas, milho frito, corn chips, and more!
KOSHER, HALAL, 100% GLUTEN FREE – Gluten Free, without preservatives, artificial colors or flavorings. Ingredients: pre-cooked white corn enriched with Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folate. Please, refer to full list of ingredients below
MADE IN THE U.S.A. – Manufactured with the highest standards of quality for grocery products by International Grains and Cereals LLC under the license of Alimentos Polar

SaleBestseller No. 1

Krusteaz Honey Cornbread and Muffin Mix, No Artificial Flavors and No Artificial Colors, Baking Mix, 15-ounce Box

RICH AND SWEET: Corn and sweet honey come together in our moist, rich cornbread. Enjoy it on its own, or as a delicious side to your favorite soup or chili.
EASY TO MAKE: Simply add milk, egg and oil and stir until blended, then spoon batter into a baking pan, cast iron skillet, or muffin cups and bake until golden brown.
MAKE IT YOUR OWN: Use this Krusteaz Honey and Cornbread Muffin Mix to make a batch of 24-28 mini muffins, 12 standard muffins, or cast iron skillet bread. Serve up a spicy version by adding jalapenos and cheddar, or deal up the sweetness with goat cheese and caramelized onions. With Krusteaz, one mix means endless possibilities.
INGREDIENTS WE’RE PROUD OF: This mix combines corn and honey in a mouthwatering twist on traditional cornbread—with no artificial flavors or colors.
WHAT'S INCLUDED: Every order of this cornbread mix includes one 15-ounce box with a shelf life of 548 days from production. This box is great for keeping Krusteaz on hand when you crave it!

Bestseller No. 1

Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet – Pre-Seasoned Frying Pan with Teardrop Handle – Oven, Stovetop, Grill & Campfire Use – Made in USA – Durable, Non-Toxic, Even-Heating Cookware – Black

PFAS-FREE & NON-TOXIC COOKWARE: Lodge cookware is made without PFOA and PTFE, and we’re proud to say our seasoned cast iron is made with just iron and oil, as it has been since the beginning. We are committed to making products that are safe for you and the people around your table too. Every step in our manufacturing process is designed to protect our employees, the people who love our cookware, and the environment.
SEASONED COOKWARE FOR EASY COOKING: Lodge pre-seasons every pan with 100% natural vegetable oil, giving it a non-stick finish without synthetic chemicals. The more you use your skillet, the better the seasoning becomes for effortless cooking.
RUST? DON’T PANIC! IT’S NOT BROKEN: If you notice a spot that looks like rust upon arrival, it’s just oil that hasn’t fully carbonized. If rust appears, simply clean with steel wool, dry, and re-season with vegetable oil.
VERSATILE COOKING FOR EVERY MEAL: Whether you're searing, sautéing, baking, broiling, braising, frying, or grilling, this skillet handles it all. With superior heat distribution and retention, it ensures perfect, even cooking every time—whether on a stovetop, grill, or campfire.
MADE IN USA & FAMILY-OWNED: Lodge has been a family-owned business since 1896, crafting high-quality cookware that’s built to last. Proudly made in the USA, this skillet is perfect for generations of cooking.

SaleBestseller No. 2

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS Free

HEALTHY SKILLET - Switzerland ILAG nonstick surface. Free of PFOA, PFOS, lead, cadmium and other toxic materials that can leach into food, safe & healthy.
SUPER NONSTICK - The surface of the saute pan with lid is smooth and super nonstick, pancakes just slide right off the pan effortless. Only less oil is needed for cooking, for a healthy, low-fat diet.
INDUCTION COMPATIBLE - The nonstick deep frying pan is made of heavy-duty cast aluminum that won't warp. Its induction base is suitable for all stovetops, including induction cooktop, and it heats fast and evenly.
HEAT RESISTANT HANDLE & TEMPERED GLASS LID - The bakelite handle of the ceramic non toxic frying pan with lid features woodgrain design, and it is comfortable to grip and stays cool while cooking. The explosion-proof glass lid prevents splashing and ensures maximum visibility.
EASY TO CLEAN - The nonstick surface and no rivets design make the non toxic frying pan with lid easy to clean in seconds with a towel, soap and warm water. Recommend hand wash to extend the non stick surface life.