Fried Green Tomatoes With Crab Meat Topping
If you've ever traveled to the Southern United States, you've likely come across one of the region's most beloved culinary delights: fried green tomatoes. Those crisp, tangy slices of unripe tomato, breaded and fried to golden perfection, are a staple of Southern kitchens and restaurants alike.
But have you ever considered taking this Southern classic to the next level? Imagine those same fried green tomatoes, but topped with succulent crab meat, creating a dish that is both elegant and comforting. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know to create crispy fried green tomatoes with a delectable crab meat topping that will have your taste buds singing.
Ingredients You Will Need
To create this delicious dish, you will need a few key ingredients:
- 4-6 large green tomatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of panko bread crumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 pound of crab meat (lump crab meat is recommended)
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Directions for Preparation
Before we get started, it's important to note that this recipe can be a bit time-consuming, but the end result is well worth the effort.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2: To prepare the crab meat topping, mix together the mayonnaise, green onions, parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Fold in the crab meat gently to ensure it doesn't get overly broken up. Cover this mixture and let it chill in your refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Step 3: While your crab meat topping chills, it's time to prepare your fried green tomatoes. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350 degrees F.
Step 4: Create a breading station by placing three shallow bowls in a row. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs.
Step 5: Dip each tomato slice into the flour, then egg, and finally the panko bread crumbs. Place the tomatoes on a wire rack to dry a bit for five to ten minutes.
Step 6: Fry the tomato slices in batches in the hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about three minutes per batch. Place the fried tomatoes on a wire rack and sprinkle them with a bit of salt while they're still hot.
Step 7: Once all of your tomatoes are fried, it's time to assemble the dish. Place a dollop of the crab meat mixture on top of each fried green tomato, then arrange them all onto a baking sheet. Bake this for five to seven minutes, or until the crab meat is heated through.
Step 8: Remove your baked fried green tomatoes with crab meat topping from the oven, garnish with some fresh lemon wedges and some more chopped parsley, and serve while still hot.
Enjoying Your Fried Green Tomatoes With Crab Meat Topping
Now that you've created this delicious, unique take on a Southern classic, it's time to enjoy it. You can serve this as an appetizer or as a main course with some sides like collard greens or mac and cheese. Either way, your guests will be impressed with your culinary prowess and your ability to make a dish that is both elegant and comforting at the same time.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party, looking for a new recipe to try, or simply craving some Southern comfort food, this fried green tomato with crab meat topping dish is sure to satisfy. Bon appetit!
