Barb’s Fried Green Tomatoes with Zesty Sauce: A Southern Delight

Fried Green Tomatoes are a quintessential Southern delicacy, and this recipe elevates the classic dish with a zesty, tangy sauce that perfectly complements the tartness of the green tomatoes and the crispy, golden-brown coating. This recipe, affectionately named “Barb’s Fried Green Tomatoes with Zesty Sauce,” is inspired by generations of Southern cooks and is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

## What are Fried Green Tomatoes?

For the uninitiated, fried green tomatoes are unripe tomatoes, typically from the end of the growing season, that are sliced, breaded, and fried. They have a firm texture and a tangy, slightly acidic flavor that distinguishes them from ripe, red tomatoes. This unique flavor profile makes them ideal for frying, as the heat mellows the tartness and brings out a savory sweetness.

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe stands out for a few key reasons:

* **The Zesty Sauce:** The sauce is the star of the show. It’s a harmonious blend of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of hot sauce, creating a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy condiment that enhances the flavor of the fried tomatoes.
* **Crispy Coating:** The breading process ensures a perfectly crispy coating every time. A combination of all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and seasonings provides a delightful textural contrast to the tender tomato slices.
* **Simple Ingredients:** The recipe utilizes readily available ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home.
* **Easy to Follow Instructions:** The instructions are clear, concise, and easy to follow, ensuring a successful outcome even for novice cooks.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

### For the Fried Green Tomatoes:

* **Green Tomatoes:** 4-5 medium-sized green tomatoes, firm and unblemished
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1 cup
* **Yellow Cornmeal:** 1 cup
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Onion Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Eggs:** 2 large, lightly beaten
* **Milk:** 2 tablespoons
* **Vegetable Oil:** For frying

### For the Zesty Sauce:

* **Mayonnaise:** 1 cup
* **Dijon Mustard:** 2 tablespoons
* **Prepared Horseradish:** 1 tablespoon
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 teaspoon
* **Hot Sauce:** 1/2 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 teaspoon
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Barb’s Fried Green Tomatoes with Zesty Sauce.

### Part 1: Preparing the Zesty Sauce

The zesty sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more complex and delicious condiment.

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
2. **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more hot sauce for extra spice, or a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
3. **Chill:** Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

### Part 2: Preparing the Green Tomatoes

Preparing the green tomatoes involves slicing, seasoning, and setting up the breading station.

1. **Wash and Slice:** Wash the green tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim off the stem end and blossom end.
2. **Slice the Tomatoes:** Using a sharp knife, slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Thicker slices may not cook evenly, while thinner slices may fall apart during frying.
3. **Season the Tomatoes:** Place the tomato slices on a large plate or baking sheet. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This step helps to draw out excess moisture and season the tomatoes from the inside out.
4. **Set Up the Breading Station:** Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk. In the third dish, combine the yellow cornmeal, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. This breading process ensures a crispy and flavorful coating.

### Part 3: Breading the Tomatoes

The breading process is crucial for achieving a crispy and golden-brown exterior.

1. **Dredge in Flour:** Take a tomato slice and dredge it in the all-purpose flour, making sure to coat both sides completely. Shake off any excess flour.
2. **Dip in Egg Mixture:** Dip the floured tomato slice into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
3. **Coat in Cornmeal Mixture:** Place the egg-dipped tomato slice into the cornmeal mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Press gently to ensure the cornmeal adheres to the tomato.
4. **Repeat:** Repeat the breading process with the remaining tomato slices.

### Part 4: Frying the Green Tomatoes

Frying requires careful temperature control to achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior.

1. **Heat the Oil:** Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet or frying pan to reach a depth of about 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). You can use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
2. **Fry in Batches:** Carefully place the breaded tomato slices into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tomatoes. Fry in batches of 4-5 slices at a time.
3. **Fry Until Golden Brown:** Fry the tomato slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully flip the tomatoes halfway through cooking.
4. **Remove and Drain:** Remove the fried green tomatoes from the skillet and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
5. **Repeat:** Repeat the frying process with the remaining breaded tomato slices, adding more oil to the skillet as needed to maintain the oil level and temperature.

### Part 5: Serving and Enjoying

Serving is the final step to enjoying your delicious Barb’s Fried Green Tomatoes.

1. **Arrange on a Platter:** Arrange the fried green tomatoes on a serving platter.
2. **Serve with Zesty Sauce:** Serve immediately with the chilled zesty sauce on the side for dipping. You can also drizzle the sauce over the tomatoes for a more decadent presentation.
3. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives for a pop of color and freshness.

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Fried Green Tomatoes

Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your fried green tomatoes are a culinary masterpiece:

* **Choose the Right Tomatoes:** Select firm, green tomatoes that are unblemished and heavy for their size. Avoid tomatoes that are too ripe or have soft spots.
* **Control the Oil Temperature:** Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Frying in batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping too low, ensuring crispy tomatoes. Overcrowding can lead to soggy tomatoes.
* **Use Fresh Oil:** Start with fresh, clean vegetable oil for the best flavor and results. Used oil can impart off-flavors to the tomatoes.
* **Drain Thoroughly:** Drain the fried tomatoes on a wire rack lined with paper towels to remove excess oil and prevent them from becoming soggy.
* **Serve Immediately:** Fried green tomatoes are best served immediately while they are still hot and crispy. They can become soggy if left to sit for too long.
* **Experiment with Seasonings:** Feel free to experiment with different seasonings in the breading mixture. Try adding smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning for a unique twist.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the cornmeal is certified gluten-free to make this recipe gluten-free.

## Variations and Adaptations

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences.

* **Spicy Fried Green Tomatoes:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the breading mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Parmesan Fried Green Tomatoes:** Add grated Parmesan cheese to the cornmeal mixture for a cheesy and savory flavor.
* **Herbed Fried Green Tomatoes:** Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the breading mixture for an aromatic twist.
* **Different Sauces:** Experiment with different dipping sauces. Try a remoulade sauce, a chipotle aioli, or a simple ranch dressing.
* **Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes:** For a healthier alternative, try air frying the green tomatoes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

## Serving Suggestions

Barb’s Fried Green Tomatoes with Zesty Sauce can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a light meal.

* **Appetizer:** Serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties and gatherings.
* **Side Dish:** Pair with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian entrees for a complete meal.
* **Sandwich Topping:** Use as a topping for sandwiches and burgers for a Southern-inspired twist.
* **Salad Topping:** Add to salads for a crispy and flavorful element.
* **Breakfast:** Serve alongside eggs and bacon for a Southern-style breakfast.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* **Calories:** Approximately 250-300 per serving
* **Fat:** 15-20 grams
* **Saturated Fat:** 3-5 grams
* **Cholesterol:** 50-70 mg
* **Sodium:** 300-400 mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 20-25 grams
* **Fiber:** 2-3 grams
* **Protein:** 4-6 grams

## Recipe Card

**Barb’s Fried Green Tomatoes with Zesty Sauce**

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

### For the Fried Green Tomatoes:

* 4-5 medium-sized green tomatoes, firm and unblemished
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup yellow cornmeal
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 2 tablespoons milk
* Vegetable oil, for frying

### For the Zesty Sauce:

* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (or more, to taste)
* 1 teaspoon lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

**Instructions:**

### Part 1: Prepare the Zesty Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

### Part 2: Prepare the Green Tomatoes

1. Wash and slice the green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
2. Place the tomato slices on a plate and sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: flour, egg mixture (eggs and milk), and cornmeal mixture (cornmeal, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder).

### Part 3: Bread the Tomatoes

1. Dredge each tomato slice in flour, then dip in egg mixture, and finally coat in cornmeal mixture.

### Part 4: Fry the Green Tomatoes

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
2. Fry the breaded tomato slices in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.

### Part 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Arrange the fried green tomatoes on a platter and serve immediately with the chilled zesty sauce.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives, if desired.

## Conclusion

Barb’s Fried Green Tomatoes with Zesty Sauce is a delightful Southern treat that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tart green tomatoes, crispy coating, and tangy sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy a taste of Southern comfort food at its finest!