Fried Green Tomato BLT
A Southern classic with a twist! Crispy, cornmeal-crusted green tomatoes replace the traditional red, adding a tangy crunch to the beloved bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich. Perfect for a hearty lunch.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Components
- b.Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon grease if desired for extra flavor.
- c.While the bacon cooks, prepare the spicy mayo. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, hot sauce, and creole mustard until smooth. Set aside.
- d.Slice the green tomatoes into 1/3-inch (approx. 1 cm) thick rounds. Lay them on a paper towel, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Set Up Breading Station
- b.Arrange three shallow dishes. In the first, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- c.In the second dish, whisk the egg and buttermilk together until fully combined.
- d.In the third dish, place the yellow cornmeal.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Green Tomatoes
- b.In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal), heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), or until a drop of batter sizzles immediately.
- c.Working one slice at a time, dredge a tomato slice in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the egg wash, letting the excess drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the cornmeal, ensuring a complete coating on both sides.
- d.Carefully place the coated slices into the hot oil, working in batches of 3-4 to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and crispy.
- e.Transfer the fried tomatoes to a wire rack to drain. This keeps them crispy on all sides.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Sandwiches
- b.Toast the sourdough bread slices until golden and crisp.
- c.Generously spread the spicy mayo on one side of each slice of toast.
- d.On four of the bread slices, layer a lettuce leaf, three slices of crispy bacon, and two fried green tomato slices.
- e.Top with the remaining four slices of bread, mayo-side down. Secure with a toothpick if needed, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while the tomatoes are warm and crispy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use firm, unripe green tomatoes for the best texture. Ripe tomatoes will be too soft and watery.
- 2Salting and resting the tomatoes before breading is a crucial step to draw out moisture, which helps the coating adhere and become crispier.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. This lowers the oil temperature and can result in soggy, greasy tomatoes instead of crispy ones.
- 4Drain fried items on a wire rack, not paper towels. A rack allows air to circulate, preventing the bottom from steaming and becoming soft.
- 5Toast your bread well. A good toast provides a structural barrier against moisture from the sauce and tomatoes, preventing a soggy sandwich.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the bacon with smoked tempeh strips or thick slices of grilled portobello mushrooms. Use a plant-based mayonnaise for the sauce.
Add CheeseAdd Cheese
Add a Southern flair with a smear of pimento cheese on the toast, or melt a slice of sharp cheddar or provolone over the bacon.
Air Fryer MethodAir Fryer Method
For a lighter version, spray the breaded tomatoes with cooking oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Extra SpiceExtra Spice
Add finely diced jalapeños to the spicy mayo or use a spicy candied bacon for an extra layer of heat and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Vitamin C
Green tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and skin health.
Provides Protein
The thick-cut bacon in this sandwich provides a substantial amount of protein, which is crucial for muscle repair and helps with satiety, keeping you feeling full longer.
Frequently asked questions
A single Fried Green Tomato BLT contains approximately 800-950 calories, depending on the thickness of the bread, the amount of mayonnaise used, and the fat content of the bacon.