10 Easy Steps To Make Fried Green Tomatoes Vegan! – You Won’t Believe How Delicious And Simple This Recipe Is!

Indulge in the irresistible Southern classic, fried green tomatoes, without compromising your vegan values. This step-by-step guide will empower you with the culinary knowledge to create a mouthwatering vegan version of this iconic dish, retaining all its crispy, tangy goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6-8 medium-sized unripe green tomatoes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegan milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Slice the green tomatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Remove any seeds or excess moisture.

2. Create the Breading Mixture: Combine the flour, cornmeal, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt in a shallow dish.

3. Make the Vegan Buttermilk: Pour the vegan milk into a separate shallow dish.

4. Dredge the Tomatoes: Dip the tomato slices first into the vegan buttermilk, then into the breading mixture. Ensure they are evenly coated.

5. Fry the Tomatoes: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the breaded tomato slices in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

6. Drain and Season: Remove the fried tomatoes from the oil and drain them on paper towels. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the vegan fried green tomatoes immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as vegan ranch or sriracha mayo.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Fried Green Tomatoes

• Choose the Right Tomatoes: Unripe green tomatoes are essential for a crispy texture. Look for firm, slightly underripe tomatoes.

• Slice Evenly: Uniformly sliced tomatoes ensure even cooking and prevent them from falling apart during frying.

• Use a Non-Stick Skillet: A non-stick skillet helps prevent the tomatoes from sticking and burning.

• Fry at the Right Temperature: Maintain a medium heat to prevent the tomatoes from burning on the outside while remaining raw on the inside.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Frying too many tomatoes at once can lower the oil temperature and make them soggy.

Serving Suggestions

• Vegan Ranch Dip: Mix vegan mayonnaise, vegan sour cream, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a creamy and tangy dipping sauce.

• Sriracha Mayo: Combine vegan mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and a squeeze of lime juice for a spicy and flavorful alternative.

• Coleslaw: Serve the fried green tomatoes alongside a refreshing coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a vegan dressing.

• Baked Beans: Pair the tomatoes with a side of hearty baked beans for a classic Southern meal.

• Cornbread: Enjoy the fried green tomatoes with a warm and fluffy slice of vegan cornbread.

Variations

• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading mixture for an extra kick.

• Herbed: Incorporate dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil into the breading for a flavorful twist.

• Stuffed: Slice the tomatoes thicker and fill the center with a vegan cream cheese mixture or sautéed vegetables.

• Battered: Instead of breading, create a vegan batter using flour, cornstarch, and sparkling water. Dip the tomatoes in the batter before frying.

• Air-Fried: For a healthier option, air-fry the breaded tomatoes at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

The Verdict

Making vegan fried green tomatoes is a delightful culinary experience that empowers you to enjoy a classic Southern dish without compromising your values. By following these simple steps, you can create a crispy, tangy, and satisfying vegan version that will impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use ripe tomatoes?
• No, unripe green tomatoes are essential for the crispy texture.

• What if I don’t have nutritional yeast?
• You can substitute it with an equal amount of vegan parmesan cheese.

• Can I bake the tomatoes instead of frying them?
• Yes, bake them at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• How do I store leftover fried green tomatoes?
• Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer before serving.

• What are some other vegan dipping sauces I can use?
• Vegan barbecue sauce, vegan honey mustard, or vegan tartar sauce.