Satisfy Your Cravings with Our Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
As a vegan chef, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes that are both delicious and healthy. Today, I am thrilled to share with you one of my favorite recipes that has quickly become a crowd-pleaser: Vegan Fried Green Tomatoes.
Fried Green Tomatoes are a classic Southern dish that have been enjoyed for generations. However, many traditional recipes contain ingredients like bacon fat or buttermilk, which are not vegan-friendly. That’s why I have created my own version of this beloved dish that is completely plant-based and bursting with flavor.
Not only are these Vegan Fried Green Tomatoes easy to make, they are also gluten-free and can be made without any cornmeal for those who may have allergies or prefer a different texture. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering snack or side dish that will impress your family and friends.
Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to try something new and exciting. So, let’s get started on making some crispy, delicious Vegan Fried Green Tomatoes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of eating the same old vegetables? If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to add some variety to your dinner table, look no further than this vegetarian Fried Green Tomatoes recipe. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed full of flavor and texture that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s vegan-friendly. No animal products are used in any part of the preparation, making it ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy a tasty meal while still sticking to their ethical principles. And don’t worry, just because it’s vegan doesn’t mean it lacks flavor or substance. In fact, this recipe is so delicious that even the most carnivorous eaters won’t miss the meat!
Another reason that this recipe is great is because of its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients like green tomatoes, cornmeal, and almond milk, you can whip up a batch of these crispy and flavorful fried green tomatoes in no time. It’s one of those dishes that’s perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something that packs a punch in terms of flavor.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily make substitutions or variations based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for. For example, try using gluten-free flour instead of regular flour or swapping out the almond milk for soy milk if you prefer. The possibilities are endless and allow you to get creative with your cooking.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a fun and tasty way to mix up your vegetable game, look no further than this vegetarian Fried Green Tomatoes recipe. It’s vegan-friendly, easy to make, and incredibly versatile — making it perfect for anyone who loves good food without too much fuss!
Ingredient List
- 4 large green tomatoes, cut into ¼ inch slices
- 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 ½ cups of almond milk
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of yellow cornmeal
- 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- Vegetable oil (enough for frying, about 2 cups or more)
For the gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour. You can also use other types of non-dairy milk such as soy or oat milk. The organic canola, extra virgin olive oil or any high smoke point oil can be used for frying purposes. Also, if you prefer to use an air fryer instead of frying in oil, you can still achieve crispy texture by following the air fryer instructions.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients listed in section (3), it’s time to get started with making vegan fried green tomatoes recipe. With each bite, you’ll taste the tangy and juicy tomato with a crispy exterior.
Follow these simple steps to make your perfect vegan fried green tomatoes:
Step 1: Slice and Prepare Tomatoes
Start by washing and drying 4 large green or unripe tomatoes. Cut them into ¼ inch thick slices, then season them with salt and ground black pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Make Coating Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of yellow cornmeal, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix the ingredients well.
Step 3: Dip Tomato Slices
Making sure that each slice is completely coated on both sides, dip the sliced tomatoes into the dry mixture, shaking off any excess coating.
Step 4: Create Wet Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk and one flax egg (by mixing flaxseed meal and water). This mix will serve as your wet batter.
Step 5: Dip Coated Tomatoes in Wet Batter
Dip each coated green tomato slice into the wet batter to make sure they are completely drenched.
Step 6: Coat Again with Dry Mixture
Put back each soaked green tomato slice into the dry mixture, making sure it’s completely covered.
Step 7: Fry Tomato Slices
On a skillet over medium-high heat, add two tablespoons of organic canola oil, or any high-heat oil you prefer. Fry your vegan fried green tomatoes until they turn crispy and golden brown on both sides.
Step 8: Drain Excess Oil
Use a paper towel-lined plate to lay down your fried tomatoes for draining.
Serve hot with an aioli dipping sauce, as part of a sandwich or a BLT like our favorite “Green Tomato BLT Sandwich Recipe“.
Substitutions and Variations
“Variety is the spice of life,” and this saying especially holds true in cooking. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can consider making to this recipe:
– Gluten-free: Instead of using purpose flour, replace it with gluten-free flour, such as rice flour or chickpea flour. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of the cornmeal.
– Dairy-free: This vegan recipe already excludes dairy milk, but if you want to omit almond milk too, you can use another non-dairy milk, like soy or oat milk. For a cheesy flavor without actual cheese, try sprinkling some nutritional yeast into the cornmeal mixture.
– Air fryer fried green tomatoes: Want to make this recipe in your air fryer? Dip your tomato slices in the cornmeal mixture, then place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray them with cooking spray for a crispy finish. Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
– Oven-baked fried green tomatoes: Prefer baked over fried? Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dip your tomato slices in the cornmeal mixture and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil over the top and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
– Tomato sandwich recipe: Love a good BLT? Swap out traditional red tomatoes with these delicious fried green ones! To assemble your sandwich, toast some bread (or keep it simple and use white bread), spread some aioli or mayo on both slices, add lettuce leaves, crispy bacon or tempeh bacon for vegans, and top with slices of fried green tomatoes.
Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free version or want to experiment with an air fryer, there’s a variation of this recipe that will suit your tastes perfectly. Give one of these substitutions a try and see which one is your favorite!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have made these delicious vegan fried green tomatoes, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy! There are a few ways that you can serve these beauties.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy fried green tomatoes is on a sandwich. Try making a vegan BLT with the fried green tomatoes instead of bacon. The flavor and texture combination is out of this world!
Another classic way to serve fried green tomatoes is as an appetizer or snack. You can serve them with a creamy aioli or your favorite dipping sauce.
To elevate your dish even more, pair your fried green tomatoes with some fresh, seasonal produce. A simple salad of mixed greens and sliced radishes would be the perfect complement to the tangy flavor of the tomatoes.
For a heartier meal, you can also serve fried green tomatoes alongside some sautéed greens or roasted vegetables. This will give you a complete meal with a variety of textures and flavors.
No matter how you choose to serve your vegan fried green tomatoes, they are sure to be a hit with vegans and omnivores alike. So go ahead and get creative in the kitchen!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once prepared, fried green tomatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate.
If you want to make fried green tomatoes ahead of time, simply freeze them after frying. This is a great option if you are planning to serve them at a later date. To freeze, wait until the fried green tomatoes have cooled completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat frozen fried green tomatoes, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and place the frozen slices on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in your air fryer at 370°F (188°C) for about 5 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
It’s important to note that while reheating fried green tomatoes can bring back some of their original crunchiness, they will not be quite as crispy as they were when they were first made. However, they will still retain their delicious flavor and texture.
Whether you’re making these southern delicacies ahead of time or reheating leftovers, there are many ways to enjoy vegan fried green tomatoes any time of the day!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking fried green tomatoes is an easy task, but if you want to achieve impeccable results, there are some tricks to keep in mind. Here are some tips that will help you obtain the perfect fried green tomato every time!
Firstly, make sure your oil is at the right temperature. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat or set your air fryer to high heat. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil at all times. Once you notice that the oil has reached its optimal temperature, then you’re ready to begin frying.
Secondly, avoid overcrowding the skillet or air fryer basket as this will cause a drop in temperature and result in soggy fried green tomatoes. You’ll want to have enough space between each slice of tomato so that they cook evenly and maintain their crispiness.
Thirdly, use fresh and firm green tomatoes. This is key to achieving the perfect texture for your fried green tomatoes. Overripe or soft tomatoes might fall apart during cooking, making them less appetizing.
Fourthly, make sure each tomato slice is thoroughly coated with the flour mixture before frying. A thick coating helps maintain crispiness by protecting moisture from evaporating out of the tomato slices.
In addition, consider using almond milk instead of dairy milk to create a more vegan-friendly dish. You could also add nutritional yeast to your flour mix for a hint of cheesy flavor.
Lastly, don’t forget about seasonings! Ground black pepper and salt are crucial in adding an extra dimension of taste to your fried green tomatoes recipe. Sprinkle brown sugar on top for a caramelized crunch that is undeniable!
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to creating the perfect batch of crispy and flavorful fried green tomatoes every time – guaranteed!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make vegan dish that is bound to impress your taste buds, then fry up some green tomatoes! This Southern classic can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their dietary restrictions. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can whip up a crispy and flavorful batch of fried green tomatoes that will have everyone lining up for seconds.
Whether you choose to fry them in a skillet, bake them in the oven, or use an air fryer, the possibilities are endless. And with so many versatile substitutions and variations available, you can customize this recipe to fit your personal preferences.
So why not give this recipe a try today? Not only is it a perfect dish for any occasion, but it’s also a great way to enjoy the goodness of fresh produce while satisfying your appetite for something deliciously savory. Trust me – you won’t be disappointed!
Vegetarian Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 large green tomatoes
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- vegetable oil
Instructions
- Cut each tomato into 3 thick slices.
- Combine corn meal, brown sugar, salt and pepper.
- Dip both sides of each tomato slice into corn meal mixture.
- Heat a small amount of oil in a large fry pan.
- Fry tomato slices, a few at a time, over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides, adding more oil to pan as needed.
- Serve immediately.
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.