Perfect Fried Green Tomatoes

I have been making fried green tomatoes for over 35 years, taught by my Southern grandmother. Over the years I have tried and made fried green tomato recipes and this one is perfect. The Cajun-ranch sauce goes perfectly with these crispy on the outside but smooth and creamy on the inside tomatoes.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 443 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper, divided
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 4 green tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 2 cups canola oil, or as needed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Season tomato slices with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Combine flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a shallow bowl. Pour buttermilk into a second shallow bowl. Mix cornmeal, parsley, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and cayenne pepper in a third shallow bowl.

Step 4

Dredge each tomato slice in flour mixture to coat, dip into buttermilk, and finish by pressing both sides of tomato into cornmeal mixture to coat. Lay coated tomato slices on a baking sheet; set aside to let tomatoes absorb the coating, 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 5

Gently drop tomato slices into hot oil and cook until golden brown and floating, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 6

Whisk ranch dressing, Cajun seasoning, and hot pepper sauce together in a small bowl; serve with fried tomato slices.