In a medium shallow bowl add one tablespoon of the flour. Pour in the buttermilk, and add the beaten eggs, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir together until smooth, set aside.
In a separate medium shallow bowl add the remaining flour and cornmeal, stir until well combined.
Using a sharp knife, slice the tomatoes into ¼ inch slices, you will get 4 slices. Discard the stem.
Add peanut oil (or vegetable oil) to a large, deep skillet, I like to use a cast iron skillet. Add enough oil to go ¼ inch up the side of the pan.
Heat oil over medium heat to 350°F. I like to use a candy thermometer to make sure the oil remains at the correct temperature.
Place a tomato slice into the buttermilk mixture. Make sure to coat both sides. Then remove the tomato from the egg mixture and drop it in the flour mixture. Be sure to coat both sides in the flour mixture, Shake off any excess flour.
Carefully add the coated tomato into the hot skillet and let it fry for about 2 & ½ minutes. Turn and let it fry for another 2 to 2-1/2 minutes on the other side or until it reaches your desired golden color. (Watch it closely because it cooks quickly.)
Using long tongs, remove the tomatoes from the oil and place them on a paper-towel-lined plate. Carefully pat dry. Immediately transfer them to a wire rack that is sitting on top of a sheet tray so they don’t get soggy.
Serve immediately with ranch for dipping, or you favorite dipping sauce.
Video
Notes
Cook Soon. Green tomatoes will turn red very quickly so I suggest that you buy them the same day you make fried green tomatoes or the day before at the most. Any green tomatoes that are already turning red are going to be too ripe and moist which will affect the crispy crust.
Texture. The cornmeal provides great texture to the coating without it being overwhelming. Feel free to add as much as you’d like.
Remove Excess Oil An extra step worth taking in the preparation of the tomato slices is to blot them dry with paper towels. This will help to remove excess juice from the tomato slices so that the coating sticks better.
Buy Local. Not all green tomatoes have the same flavor due to slight differences among the varieties grown and sold. Buying green tomatoes from a local farmer’s market is a great way to discover your favorite variety of tomatoes.
Leftover fried green tomatoes can be reheated in a toaster or oven at a low temperature. I don’t recommend reheating in the microwave as the tomatoes will become chewy instead of crispy.
Oil Temp. For best results, make sure that the oil in the skillet is hot and the coating mixture is cold. The tomatoes will soak up too much oil if the temperature is not hot enough. Use a thermometer to test the oil if you are unsure. It should register 350F (medium-high heat) throughout the cooking time.
Excess Coating Mixture. There will be excess egg mixture and flour mixture leftover when you are done. This is to ensure there is enough coating for the tomatoes.