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A woman in a red polka dot top smiles in a kitchen, holding heirloom tomatoes over a checkered cutting board. Flowers and a pitcher labeled DRINK sit on the counter beside her.

Fried Green Tomatoes (Whistle Stop Cafe)

These Fried Green Tomatoes are inspired by the Whistle Stop Cafe recipe my family has loved for years. Fresh green tomatoes are seasoned, coated in white cornmeal, and shallow fried in bacon grease until golden, crispy, and completely irresistible.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Calories 92 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Green tomatoes sliced about ¼-inch thick
  • 1 package regular bacon
  • White cornmeal about 1 cup
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Crisco shortening as needed
  • Vegetable oil optional if not using Crisco

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the bacon.

  • Add a whole package of bacon to a cast iron skillet or heavy skillet. Cook over medium-low heat until the bacon is crispy and has rendered as much fat as possible. Take your time here because the bacon grease is a huge part of the flavor.

Step 2: Prep the tomatoes while the bacon cooks.

  • While the bacon is cooking, slice the green tomatoes about ¼-inch thick. Place them on a rack over a baking sheet and season both sides with salt and pepper. Let them sit while the bacon finishes cooking.

Step 3: Remove the bacon and save the drippings.

  • Remove the bacon from the skillet and let as much grease drip back into the pan as possible. If you place the bacon in a bowl, tip any extra grease from the bowl back into the skillet. Save the cooked bacon for another recipe.

Step 4: Add extra frying fat if needed.

  • Keep the bacon drippings in the skillet. If you need more fat for frying, add a little Crisco shortening. Vegetable oil can also be used, but Crisco gives that old-school flavor and texture.

Step 5: Make the cornmeal coating.

  • Add white cornmeal to a shallow dish and season it with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Coat the tomatoes.

  • Pat the tomato slices dry. Dip each slice into the seasoned white cornmeal, pressing it in so the tomato is fully coated. Shake off the excess.

Step 7: Fry the tomatoes.

  • Heat the bacon grease and shortening over medium to medium-high heat. You want to hear a good sizzle when the tomatoes hit the pan. Add the coated tomatoes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet.

Step 8: Flip carefully.

  • Let the tomatoes fry for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom. Carefully flip with tongs or a spatula and fry the other side until golden and crisp. Try not to move them around too much.

Step 9: Drain and serve.

  • Transfer the fried green tomatoes to a rack so they stay crispy. Serve them hot, and that’s it, baby. You are not going to have anything better than Whistle Stop Cafe-style fried green tomatoes.

Nutrition

Calories: 92kcalCarbohydrates: 0.3gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 146mgPotassium: 44mgVitamin A: 8IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword affordable, easy, family dinner, quick
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