I spent a fair amount of time living in the South but never developed a passion for this iconic Southern appetizer – fried green tomatoes. Not until I tried them at Dinosaur BBQ restaurant in Buffalo, NY. I liked them so much that the first thing I did the following day was to buy some green tomatoes and start frying.
The recipe is an adaptation from the Dinosaur BBQ’s cookbook. I made no changes to it as I wanted the same taste I experienced at the restaurant. The tasty, crunchy crust on these tomatoes is a treat in and of itself. The tender, tangy tomato flesh inside makes a beautiful contrast to the crunchy exterior. You want to savor every bite.
These tomatoes are absolute best hot off the skillet served with the homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing. Everyone gathers in the kitchen, and we start enjoying them as soon as the first batch is ready and the next batch is in the pan. That’s the best way to eat them. Why wait, right?
Sprinkle them with grated or shaved Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, they will taste even better.
Ingredients
- 4 green tomatoes
- 2 tsp Creole seasoning or to taste
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 4 cups panko bread crumbs
- 4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil plus more as needed
- Grated Pecorino Romano cheese or grated Parmesan cheese; for garnish;
- Buttermilk Ranch Dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Core the tomatoes, cut off the ends, then slice them into quarter-inch rounds. Dry them with a paper towel then sprinkle `1lightly with Creole seasoning on both sides.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of pepper. In another shallow bowl, combine the panko crumbs, salt, cayenne pepper and the remaining black pepper.
- Dip the tomato slices in the egg mixture and then in the panko crumbs, pressing to coat on both sides and around the edges. Place the coated pieces on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat in a large skillet. When the oil is hot, add a few tomato slices without overcrowding. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove from the pan and transfer to a platter lined with a paper towel. Sprinkle with shaved or grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot, as is, or with a bowl of homemade buttermilk ranch dressing as a dip.
Jessica
thanks so much for this great recipe
Dorothy
What a great recipe! I’ve been looking for this forever and now I have it. Delicious! thank you!!!
victor
You are welcome!
Orlando
Second time making these using a slightly different seasoning and they turn out great.
Max
Thanks!!! I’ve been looking for this recipe for a while.
Brian G.
Great recipe! I am a big fan of Dinosaur BBQ’s food and the fried green tomatoes is one of my favorite appetizers there. Thanks for sharing!
victor
Enjoy!
Bobby
Hey Vic! Great recipe. Awesome flavors. My family enjoyed it very much!
victor
Good to hear it, Bobby. Happy cooking!
Amy
Loved this recipe! So much flavor! Will be making again soon.
Brian
This recipe is outstanding! Tried it with my girlfriend and we both loved it!!! Thanks for sharing. This is out favorite fried green tomato recipe.
Ann
Yum! These tomatoes look totally scrumptious! Thank you for sharing the idea. I always end up drooling whenever I come to your page. Looking forward to your new recipes.
p.s. the photos you take are stunning!
victor
Thank you!
Tate
These fried tomatoes are so good! Made exactly as stated, they came out perfect! This is a keeper!! I love your recipes, keep them coming!
victor
You are very welcome! Thanks for your feedback, Tate.