Dive into the vibrant flavors of the South with our irresistible Cajun Fried Green Tomatoes paired with a zesty remoulade sauce! This dish is not just a side; it’s a celebration of crispy, tangy goodness that will have your taste buds dancing. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can bring the essence of Cajun cuisine right to your kitchen. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a delicious treat, these fried green tomatoes are sure to impress. Get ready to elevate your appetizer game and discover why this Southern classic is a must-try!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium green tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Oil for frying
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon capers, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the green tomatoes by washing and slicing them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Pat the tomato slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with buttermilk, one with a mixture of flour and Cajun seasoning, and one with cornmeal.
- Dip each tomato slice first into the seasoned flour mixture, then into the buttermilk, and finally coat thoroughly with cornmeal, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to create a depth of about 2 inches.
- For the remoulade sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped capers, lemon juice, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Carefully place breaded tomato slices into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove fried tomatoes using a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Sprinkle with additional Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Serve hot with the prepared remoulade sauce on the side for dipping. Best enjoyed immediately while crisp and warm.
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: Look for firm, unripe green tomatoes. They should be slightly glossy and free from blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
- Dry the Tomatoes: After slicing the tomatoes, pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy coating, as excess moisture can lead to sogginess.
- Breading Station Setup: Organize your breading station efficiently—this will help streamline the process. Consider using one hand for wet ingredients (buttermilk) and the other for dry (flour and cornmeal) to keep things tidy.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Make sure your oil is at the right temperature (350°F or 175°C) before frying. If it's too cool, the tomatoes will absorb oil and become greasy; too hot, and they might burn.
- Batch Frying: Fry the tomatoes in small batches to prevent overcrowding in the pan. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain the oil temperature.
- Crispy Finish: For an extra crispy finish, sprinkle a little more Cajun seasoning over the fried tomatoes right after they come out of the oil.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy these fried green tomatoes hot and fresh for the best texture. Pair them with the remoulade sauce for a delightful contrast of flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg