Pan-Fried Green Tomato Slices with Cajun Remoulade
Sliced green tomatoes coated in a spiced cornmeal batter and pan-fried until golden, served with a tangy Cajun remoulade sauce. This american-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs large green tomatoes, yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 3 large green tomatoes
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice 3 large green tomatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds and set aside.
- Step 2: In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to create the dredging mixture.
- Step 3: Pour 1 cup buttermilk into another shallow bowl. Dip each tomato slice first into the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture until fully coated.
- Step 4: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 3 minutes. Fry the coated tomato slices in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until the crust is golden and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
- Step 5: For the remoulade, whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder until smooth and tangy.
- Step 6: Serve the fried green tomatoes warm with a side of Cajun remoulade for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Green Tomato Slices with Cajun Remoulade take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Green Tomato Slices with Cajun Remoulade?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large green tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Green Tomato Slices with Cajun Remoulade?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Fried Green Tomato Slices with Cajun Remoulade for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Pan-Fried Green Tomato Slices with Cajun Remoulade vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Amazing flavor! The remoulade added the perfect kick. Will make again.
- ★★★★★
This recipe transformed my garden's green tomatoes into a delicious side. So easy!
- ★★★★★
The Cajun remoulade was a perfect match for the green tomatoes. My kids loved them!