Ingredients:
- ½ cup Mayonnaise (high-quality, full-fat)
- 2 Tbsp Creole or Dijon Mustard
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tsp Prepared Horseradish (drained)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (or Cajun seasoning blend)
- ½ tsp Hot Sauce (e.g., Tabasco or Crystal)
- 1 small clove Garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste
- 4 medium-sized Green Tomatoes (unripe, firm), sliced ½ inch thick
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt (for sweating the tomatoes)
- ½ cup All-Purpose Flour (for dredging)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 2 large Eggs
- ¼ cup Buttermilk or Whole Milk
- 1 cup Fine-ground Yellow Cornmeal
- ½ cup All-Purpose Flour (for coating)
- 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2-3 cups High smoke-point oil (Peanut, Canola, or Vegetable) for frying
Instructions:
- Phase 1: Prepare the Remoulade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, smoked paprika, hot sauce, and minced garlic.
- Season the remoulade: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes while preparing the tomatoes to allow flavors to marry.
- Phase 2: Prepare the Tomatoes. Slice the green tomatoes into even ½-inch thick rounds.
- Sweat the tomatoes: Lay the slices on a paper towel-lined tray and sprinkle lightly with 1 tsp of Kosher salt. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Gently blot the tomatoes completely dry with fresh paper towels.
- Phase 3: Breading (The 'Assembly Line'). Arrange three shallow dishes. Dish 1: Combine the dredging flour, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Dish 2: Whisk eggs and buttermilk/milk. Dish 3: Combine cornmeal, coating flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Bread the tomatoes: Work one slice at a time. Dredge thoroughly in Dish 1 (Flour), shaking off excess. Dip completely in Dish 2 (Egg Wash), letting excess drip off. Press firmly into Dish 3 (Cornmeal mixture) until fully and evenly coated.
- Chill (Crucial Step): Lay the breaded tomatoes on a wire rack and refrigerate for 15 minutes. This sets the crust firmly, guaranteeing crunch.
- Phase 4: Frying. Pour 1.5 inches of oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet. Heat the oil to 360°F (182°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
- Fry in Batches: Carefully place 3-4 slices into the hot oil (do not overcrowd). Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Season: Remove the fried tomatoes immediately and transfer them to the wire rack for draining. Sprinkle lightly with a pinch of salt while they are still hot. Repeat with the remaining batches.
- Phase 5: Serve. Serve the Fried Green Tomatoes immediately, hot off the rack, alongside a generous dollop of the chilled Cajun Remoulade.