Pan-Seared Fried Green Tomatoes with Spicy Remoulade
Thick slices of tart green tomatoes pan-seared until golden brown and crispy, served with a zesty, spicy remoulade dipping sauce for a classic Southern appetizer. This southern-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs large green tomatoes, all-purpose flour, cornmeal for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 large green tomatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup for frying vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice 3 large green tomatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds and set aside.
- Step 2: In a shallow bowl, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup cornmeal, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.
- Step 3: Pour 1 cup buttermilk into another shallow bowl.
- Step 4: Dip each tomato slice first into the buttermilk, then dredge thoroughly in the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Step 5: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Step 6: Fry the coated tomato slices in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp; transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Step 7: For the remoulade sauce, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp hot sauce, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika until smooth.
- Step 8: Serve the fried green tomatoes warm with a side of the spicy remoulade for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Fried Green Tomatoes with Spicy Remoulade take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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-Seared Fried Green Tomatoes with Spicy 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-Seared Fried Green Tomatoes with Spicy 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-Seared Fried Green Tomatoes with Spicy 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-Seared Fried Green Tomatoes with Spicy 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.
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