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Fried Red Tomatoes

These Fried Red Tomatoes are crispy, flavorful bites of juicy goodness, making them an ideal side dish or snack for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the tomatoes
  • 4 pieces ripe red tomatoes Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
For the coating
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper Optional for a kick!
For dipping
  • 1 cup buttermilk Or regular milk for dipping.
  • as needed for frying vegetable oil Enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet generously.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash and slice the tomatoes into thick rounds, about ½ inch thick.
  2. In one bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) to make your coating.
  3. In another bowl, pour the buttermilk.
Frying
  1. Take each tomato slice and dip it into the buttermilk, ensuring it’s well-coated.
  2. Move the coated slice into the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
  3. In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom generously and heat over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. Carefully place the coated tomato slices in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
  5. Transfer the fried tomatoes onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and serve hot.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, use a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.