Fried Green Tomatoes with Garlicky Ranch Dressing

This classic southern U.S. dish is all about tomatoes that are crispy outside, tart and tender inside, and delicious all by themselves. For this recipe, I kept the southern theme going with a simple ranch dressing to drizzle over the fried tomatoes. Easy, tasty, homey, and just plain southern good.

Serves 4

Ingredients

For the Ranch Dressing

• 2 large garlic cloves, smashed and coarsely chopped
• sea salt
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup light mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 tsp dried red chile flakes
• freshly ground black pepper

For the Tomatoes

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• flour, for dredging
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/3 cup panko, or other fine, dry breadcrumbs
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large green tomatoes (1 lb total), cut into 1/3-inch-thick slices
• 1 cup canola oil

Green Tomatoes

Sliced Tomatoes

Preparation

For the Ranch Dressing

1. Place the garlic on a cutting board and sprinkle with sea salt. Use a fork to mash the garlic and salt together to form a chunky paste. Transfer to a bowl.
2. Add the buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, parsley, and chile flakes and season with black pepper. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour. (May be made a day ahead.)                       

Mashed Salt and Garlic 

Garlicky Ranch Dressing

For the Tomatoes

1. Whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
2. Spread flour on a large plate or in a baking dish. Combine the cornmeal, panko, salt, and pepper in a baking dish.
3. Dredge the tomato slices in flour. Dip in the egg mixture, and let excess drip off. Press into the cornmeal mixture, coating both sides.

Set up the Breading Station

Breaded Tomatoes

1. Heat a deep, 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot (about 375° F), fry the tomatoes until golden and crispy outside and tender inside, about 4 minutes per side, depending on the heat of the oil.
2. Transfer to layers of paper towels and drain. Season generously with sea salt.

Tomatoes Beginning to Fry

Tomatoes after Turning

To serve, drizzle the tomatoes with dressing, or serve the dressing in small bowls alongside.

Fried Green Tomatoes with Garlicky Ranch Dressing