Get ready to transform ordinary tomatoes into a mouthwatering masterpiece that'll transport you straight to the heart of Southern comfort cooking! These golden, crispy fried tomatoes are not just a side dish – they're a culinary experience that blends the juicy freshness of ripe tomatoes with a perfectly seasoned, crunchy exterior. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving a delectable Southern-style treat, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and leave everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Wash and dry tomatoes thoroughly with paper towels. Slice tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick round slices, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
- In a shallow dish, mix all-purpose flour with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Create a uniform seasoned flour mixture by whisking ingredients together.
- Peel and finely mince garlic cloves using a sharp knife, creating small, uniform pieces that will distribute evenly during cooking.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan with approximately 1/4 inch depth.
- Carefully dredge each tomato slice in the seasoned flour mixture, coating both sides completely and shaking off excess flour to prevent clumping.
- When oil is hot and shimmering (around 350°F), gently place floured tomato slices into the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Fry tomato slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, adjusting heat to maintain consistent temperature.
- During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle minced garlic over the tomatoes to lightly toast and release aromatic flavors.
- Remove fried tomatoes using a slotted spatula, allowing excess oil to drain. Place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
- Season immediately with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot as a side dish or appetizer.
Tips
- Choose firm, slightly underripe tomatoes for the best frying results. Ripe tomatoes can become too soft and mushy during cooking.
- Pat your tomato slices completely dry before dredging to ensure a crisp, even coating that sticks perfectly.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible – it provides the most even heat distribution and creates an incredible golden-brown crust.
- Maintain your oil temperature around 350°F. Too cool, and the tomatoes will become greasy; too hot, and they'll burn before cooking through.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches to ensure each tomato slice gets crispy and golden.
- Serve immediately for the ultimate crunch – these fried tomatoes are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the skillet.
- Experiment with additional seasonings like paprika, cayenne, or herbs in your flour mixture for extra flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 260kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
