Use these ingredients to create a delicious barb's fried green tomatoes dish with a zesty sauce. Include relevant keywords like "fried green tomatoes recipe," "zesty sauce" to optimize for search engines and attract more visitors to your content.
Steps
### How to Make Zesty Fried Green Tomatoes with Barbecue Sauce
Fried green tomatoes are a Southern classic, perfect for a hearty meal or as an appetizer. This recipe combines the traditional with a zesty barbecue sauce for a delicious twist. Follow these detailed steps to create a fantastic dish that's sure to please your guests.
#### Ingredients:
- 6 ripe but firm green tomatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
- Zesty barbecue sauce (recipe below)
#### Zesty Barbecue Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Tomato Slices:**
- Slice each green tomato about 1/4-inch thick.
- Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. **Make the Zesty Barbecue Sauce:**
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Set aside and let it rest while you prepare the tomatoes for frying.
3. **Coat the Tomatoes:**
- Place the flour in a shallow dish.
- In another dish, beat the eggs with a fork or whisk.
- For an extra crispy coating, place the breadcrumbs in yet another dish.
4. **Fry the Tomatoes:**
- Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge each tomato slice first in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Carefully place the breaded tomatoes into the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. **Drizzle with Zesty Sauce:**
- Once done frying, remove the tomato slices from the skillet using a slotted spoon and drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately by drizzling the zesty barbecue sauce over the top of each slice.
6. **Serving Suggestions:**
- Pair these fried green tomatoes with a side of coleslaw or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- You can also serve them as an appetizer, garnished with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
### Tips and Variations:
- For a healthier option, you can reduce the oil content by baking instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the breaded tomatoes for about 20-25 minutes.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of barbecue sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
By following these steps, you can create a delightful dish that's sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. Enjoy your cooking!