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

Bestseller No. 1

P.A.N. Yellow Corn Meal – Pre-cooked Gluten Free and Kosher Flour for Arepas (2.2 lb/Pack of 1)

THE MOST POPULAR YELLOW CORN MEAL – Pre-cooked yellow corn meal P.A.N. from Empresas Polar is made with 100% selected Yellow 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 yellow 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), tortillas, pupusas, corn muffins, polenta, ponque de maiz, cornbread, corn muffins, corn pancakes, empanadas, galletas (corn cookies), hallacas venezolanas, milho frito or corn chips
KOSHER, HALAL, 100% GLUTEN FREE – Gluten Free, without preservatives, artificial colors or flavorings. Ingredients: pre-cooked yellow 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

Bestseller No. 1

Duncan Hines Dolly Parton's Sweet Cornbread & Muffin Mix, 16 oz.

One 16 oz. box of Duncan Hines Dolly Parton's Sweet Cornbread & Muffin Mix
Deliciously buttery cornbread and muffin baking mix
Featuring Dolly Parton's Favorite Jalapeno Cornbread Recipe on box
Ideal for creating moist and irresistible side dishes
Stock up today on the sweet combination of Duncan Hines and Dolly Parton

SaleBestseller No. 1

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.

SaleBestseller No. 2

Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Skillet 12 Inch Pre-Seasoned PFAS-Free Black

Exceptional Heat Retention: Enjoy perfectly cooked meals with cast iron skillets that provide even heat distribution, ideal for searing, frying, and baking in a 12 inch frying pan.
Versatile Cooking Options: Utilize this multipurpose skillet on the stove top, during camping trips, or on the grill; perfect for various cooking methods and outdoor adventures
Pre-Seasoned for Immediate Use: Comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, to enhance the non-stick performance and deliver authentic flavors right out of the box. Is an ideal cooking gift for men and women.
Ideal Size for Any Occasion: The 12 Inch Skillet is perfect for both indoor and outdoor cooking a reliable Chef's Pan that meets all your culinary needs.
Ample Cooking Space: Experience the convenience of a large frying pan that can handle family meals also great for smaller tasks with a small cast iron skillet option available.