Fried Green Tomatoes by Vivian

Aug 2, 2026 | Veggies

Vivian’s fried tomatoes follow her typical Southern pattern: buttermilk soak + cornmeal dredge + shallow fry. (Exact quantities come from her published fried green tomato recipe. )

Ingredients

  • 2 medium green tomatoes, sliced ½‑inch thick
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tsp hot sauce
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ⅔ cup cornmeal
  • 1½ tsp salt (for cornmeal mix)
  • 1 tsp cayenne
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Method

  1. Marinate tomatoes 30 minutes (or overnight) in buttermilk, lemon zest, hot sauce, and salt.
  2. Mix cornmeal, salt, and cayenne.
  3. Heat oil until shimmering.
  4. Dredge tomato slices in cornmeal mixture; shake off excess.
  5. Fry 3 minutes per side until golden.
  6. Drain and season lightly with salt.