Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the amazingness that is *fried red tomatoes*! Seriously, if you’ve never tried them, you’re in for a real treat. Picture this: perfectly ripe tomatoes, sliced thick, dipped in a crunchy coating, and fried to golden perfection. The first time I made these, I was having a summer cookout, and I thought, “What can I make that’s a little different?” I decided to give these a go, and wow, they stole the show! Everyone was raving about them. They’re not just a side dish; they’re like little bites of sunshine! Trust me, if you want to impress your friends or family, these crispy fried red tomatoes will do the trick. Get ready to dive into a recipe that’s simple yet oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients List
To create these mouthwatering fried red tomatoes, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 4 medium ripe red tomatoes, sliced into thick rounds for that perfect bite
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging the tomatoes
- 2 large eggs, beaten to help the breadcrumbs stick
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, for that irresistible crunch
- 1 teaspoon salt, to enhance the flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, for a little kick
- Oil for frying, enough to submerge the tomatoes
Make sure to use ripe tomatoes; they really make a difference in taste and texture! Ready to get cooking?
How to Prepare Fried Red Tomatoes
Alright, let’s get those crispy fried red tomatoes ready to shine! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to serving up a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Step 1: Slice the Tomatoes
First things first, grab those beautiful ripe tomatoes. You’ll want to slice them into thick rounds, about half an inch thick. This thickness is key because it keeps the tomatoes juicy while they fry. If they’re too thin, they might end up mushy, and we definitely want that perfect crispy exterior!
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Now it’s time to set up your breading station. Lay out three bowls in a row. In the first bowl, add the flour—this is where the magic starts! In the second bowl, beat your eggs until they’re nice and frothy. And in the third bowl, mix your breadcrumbs with salt and pepper. This combination will give the tomatoes a flavorful crunch. It’s like a little assembly line that makes the process so much easier!
Step 3: Bread the Tomato Slices
Here comes the fun part! Take a tomato slice and first dip it into the flour, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully covered. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks well. This is where you want to avoid any sticking—make sure the slices are well-coated for that satisfying crunch!
Step 4: Fry the Tomatoes
Heat up oil in a pan over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil to submerge the tomato slices about halfway. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb in—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!), carefully place the breaded tomato slices into the pan. Fry them for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them—too long in the oil, and they can burn!
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once they’re beautifully golden, remove the fried tomatoes from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them immediately while they’re still hot and crunchy! They make a fantastic side dish or even a tasty snack. You might just want to keep them all to yourself—trust me, they’re that good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These fried red tomatoes are an absolute delight for so many reasons! Not only do they have that irresistible crispy texture, but they’re also super easy to whip up. Here’s what makes them a must-try:
- Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside
- A simple, straightforward recipe anyone can master
- Deliciously savory flavor that pairs well with any meal
- Great for impressing guests or treating yourself
Honestly, you’re going to love every crunchy bite!
Tips for Success
To ensure your fried red tomatoes turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, choose ripe tomatoes—they should feel slightly firm but give a little when pressed. This helps achieve that juicy interior we love. Next, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; if it’s too cool, the tomatoes will soak up oil and become greasy. A good rule of thumb is to keep the oil around 350°F (175°C) for that ideal golden crisp. Finally, for presentation, serve your fried tomatoes on a beautiful platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the dish. Trust me, a little extra care makes all the difference!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying fried red tomatoes, it’s good to know what you’re putting on your plate! Here’s a general idea of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s always a good idea to check labels if you’re tracking your intake!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these scrumptious fried red tomatoes? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries that pop up:
Can I use different types of tomatoes?
Absolutely! While I love using ripe red tomatoes, you can experiment with green tomatoes for a tangy twist or even heirloom varieties for unique flavors. Just remember that the texture may vary a bit.
How do I store leftover fried tomatoes?
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just know they might lose some of that crispiness!
What can I serve with fried red tomatoes?
These crispy delights are perfect as a side dish with meats or even as a topping for salads! You can also serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch, aioli, or even a spicy remoulade for an extra kick.
Can I make these ahead of time?
While they’re best fresh, you can prep the breaded tomato slices ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. Just fry them up right before you’re ready to serve for that fresh-out-of-the-pan taste!
What’s the best oil for frying?
I recommend using oils with high smoke points like vegetable oil or canola oil for frying. They help achieve that perfect golden color without burning. Happy frying!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftover fried red tomatoes (which is a rare occasion!), it’s important to store them properly to keep as much of that delightful crunch as possible. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help re-crisp the coating without making them soggy. You can also use an air fryer if you have one—it works wonders! Just remember, the fresher, the better!
Print
Fried Red Tomatoes: 2 Irresistibly Crunchy Delights
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy fried red tomatoes, a savory side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 medium ripe red tomatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes into thick rounds.
- In one bowl, place the flour.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each tomato slice in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry tomato slices until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels.
Notes
- Use ripe tomatoes for better flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately for best crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: fried red tomatoes, crispy tomatoes, side dish
