Pioneer Woman Fried Red Tomatoes Recipe

Pioneer Woman Fried Red Tomatoes Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Fried Red Tomatoes Recipe is a crispy and golden recipe, which is made with firm heirloom tomatoes and cornmeal. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 20 minutes.

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Pioneer Woman Fried Red Tomatoes Recipe Ingredients

  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup ground cornmeal
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 firm large heirloom tomato, cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch slices
  • 2 slices white sandwich bread
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves

How To Make Pioneer Woman Fried Red Tomatoes

  1. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to a depth of about 1/4 inch. Heat it over medium-high to high heat until the oil is shimmering and hot.
  2. Prepare the dredge: While the oil heats, break the egg into a shallow bowl and whisk it until smooth. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
  3. Coat the tomatoes: Dip each tomato slice first in the whisked egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, press the slice firmly into the cornmeal mixture, ensuring it is fully and evenly coated on both sides.
  4. Fry until golden: Carefully place the coated tomato slices into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they are deep golden brown and crispy.
  5. Assemble the sandwich: Transfer the fried tomatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Spread mayonnaise on both slices of bread. Pile the hot fried tomatoes on one slice, top with fresh basil leaves, and place the other slice of bread on top. Serve immediately.
Pioneer Woman Fried Red Tomatoes Recipe
Pioneer Woman Fried Red Tomatoes Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • How to keep fried tomatoes from getting soggy? The key is hot oil. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the coating will absorb grease instead of crisping up. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, which lowers the oil temperature.
  • What are the best tomatoes for frying? Firm, sturdy tomatoes are essential. Heirloom or beefsteak varieties that are ripe but not overly soft work best because they hold their shape during frying.
  • How do I get a perfectly crispy coating? Make sure each tomato slice is patted dry before dipping. A complete, even coating of both the egg and the cornmeal mixture is crucial for that all-over crunch.
  • When is the best time to eat them? For maximum crispiness and flavor, fried tomatoes should be eaten immediately after cooking. They will lose their crunch as they cool.

What To Serve With Fried Red Tomatoes

While this recipe creates a perfect sandwich, you can also serve the fried tomatoes in other ways:

  • As a classic Southern side dish for grilled chicken, pork chops, or shrimp and grits.
  • As a base for a unique eggs Benedict, topped with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce.
  • On top of a salad with a creamy dressing.

How To Store Fried Red Tomatoes

Refrigerate: Fried tomatoes are best eaten immediately. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to try and regain some crispness; microwaving is not recommended. Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as the tomatoes will become soggy and lose their crispy texture upon thawing.

Fried Red Tomatoes Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 272 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Sodium: 350mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use green tomatoes instead of red?

Yes, this recipe works beautifully for classic fried green tomatoes as well. The process is exactly the same.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes. For an air fryer version, coat the tomatoes as directed, spray them lightly with oil, and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Why did my breading fall off?

This usually happens if the tomato slices are too wet to begin with or if the oil isn’t hot enough. Pat the tomatoes dry before dredging and ensure the oil is shimmering before you add the slices.

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Pioneer Woman Fried Red Tomatoes Recipe

Recipe by MarryCourse: Side DIshCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

5

minutes
Calories

272

kcal

A perfectly crispy, golden-brown fried tomato sandwich with a creamy mayo and fresh basil finish.

Ingredients

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

  • 1 large egg

  • 1/4 cup ground cornmeal

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

  • Kosher salt and black pepper

  • 1 firm large heirloom tomato, sliced

  • 2 slices white sandwich bread

  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise

  • Handful of fresh basil leaves

Directions

  • Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a skillet over high heat until shimmering.
  • Whisk egg in one bowl; mix cornmeal, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in another.
  • Dip tomato slices in egg, then dredge thoroughly in the cornmeal mixture.
  • Fry tomatoes for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  • Assemble sandwich with mayonnaise, hot fried tomatoes, and fresh basil.

Notes

  • Use firm heirloom tomatoes as they hold their shape best during frying.
  • Ensure the oil is hot before adding the tomatoes to avoid a greasy result.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary for the crispiest coating.
  • These are best served immediately to enjoy their warm, crunchy texture.

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