Fried Tomatoes with Corn Salsa

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Reader Rating
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4

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These Fried Tomatoes are on another level! They’re fried in a skillet, then topped with a simple, flavorful corn salsa, meaning they can be enjoyed on their own or as a side dish to any meal. 

stack of fried tomatoes with corn on top

I tried these fried tomatoes when Miguel and I were in Barcelona, and I immediately knew that I wanted to recreate them. I think we can all agree that fried food tastes best, but fried tomatoes? They’re on another level, and are amazing on their own or as a side to any meal.

Recipe features

  • Tomatoes coated in breadcrumbs then fried in a skillet
  • They’re delicious on their own or as a side to any meal
  • The corn salsa is made with corn, jalapeño and feta cheese and pairs perfectly with tomatoes

ingredients on a table with text overlay

Ingredient notes:

Tomatoes – Preferably heirloom or beefsteak

Breadcrumbs – Love using Panko breadcrumbs (regular or gluten free)

Oil – Any neutral-flavored oil works. I always opt for olive oil or avocado oil, especially when using a large quantity.

Corn – Fresh or frozen

Feta cheese – Cheese is optional. As always, I think cheese makes everything better, but I also understand not everyone tolerates it well. So, if you want to keep these dairy free, omit the feta.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Slice the tomatoes into 1/2″ slices, then set up an assembly line by adding the flour into a bowl, the egg into a bowl and the breadcrumbs into a separate bowl.

sliced tomatoes in a cutting board

Step 2: Dip each tomato slice into the flour first, then into the egg, and lastly into the breadcrumbs until it’s completely coated.

tomato slices dipped in breadcrumbs

Step 3: Make the corn salsa. Add corn, feta, cilantro, onion, and jalapeño to a bowl and stir to combine, then set aside.

corn salsa in a bowl

Step 4: Pour oil into a deep skillet, turn heat onto medium-high, then fry the tomatoes for approximately 1 minute per side, or until they’re golden brown. Use kitchen tongs to remove them and place then on a towel-lined plate.

fried tomatoes in a skillet

Step 5: Assemble. Top each fried tomato slice with a spoonful of corn salsa, then add another slice on top and a spoonful of salsa on top of that, essentially layering the tomatoes and salsa.

FAQs and Tips

  • Make sure to use kitchen tongs to remove the fried tomatoes from the oil because they will be HOT, and using a fork could cause them to fall apart.
  • You want to be careful to not fry the tomatoes for too long; otherwise, they can get soggy and the breadcrumbs will fall off.
  • Can’t find Panko breadcrumbs (or the store is all out)? Plain regular breadcrumbs will work just fine.

Are fried tomatoes healthy?

I think we all know the answer to this, but fried food definitely isn’t healthy. However, I think of this recipe as more of a treat, and trust me when I say it’s well worth it.

How should I store these?

As with most fried foods, these tomatoes are best when served fresh, and therefore I don’t recommend prepping them in advance. However, if you have leftovers, simply store them on a plate in the refrigerator.

  • To reheat: place them in a skillet with a bit of oil and cook until warm.

fried tomato slices topped with corn

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If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!

5 from 10 votes

Fried Tomatoes with Corn Salsa

Servings: 4
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
These Fried Tomatoes are on another level! They're fried in a skillet, then topped with a simple, flavorful corn salsa, meaning they can be enjoyed on their own or as a side dish to any meal. 

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Ingredients 

for the tomatoes:

  • 2 large tomatoes, preferably beefsteak or heirloom
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Pinch salt and pepper
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup oil of choice, I used olive oil

for the salsa:

  • 1 cup cooked corn
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese
  • 1/2 jalapeño, seeds removed and sliced
  • 3 tbsp red onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp cilantro
  • Pinch salt and pepper

Instructions 

  • Combine flour, paprika, salt and pepper together and pour mixture onto a plate. Then, whisk egg in a bowl; set aside. Last, pour breadcrumbs out onto a separate plate, creating an assembly line or flour, egg and breadcrumbs.
  • Slice tomatoes, then dip each slice into the flour, then the egg, then the breadcrumbs; set all of the coated tomatoes onto a plate.
  • Next, make the corn salsa: combine all ingredients into a bowl and set aside.
  • Now, fry the tomatoes. Add the oil to a deep skillet over medium-high heat and wait 30 seconds or so before adding a few of the tomato slices. Fry tomatoes on both sides for approximately 1 minute or until golden brown, then use kitchen tongs to remove them and place them on a plate. Repeat this until all of the tomatoes have been fried.
  • To assemble: Lay one of the fried tomatoes down and top it with a spoonful of corn salsa, then repeat this one more time for a fully stacked dish.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

-Be careful not to fry too long; otherwise, the tomatoes will get soggy and the breadcrumbs will fall off.
-I don't recommend making these ahead of time because fried foods are best when served fresh. However, if you have have leftovers, simply store them on a plate in the refrigerator. To reheat: place them back into a skillet with oil and fry until warm. 

Nutrition

Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 234mg | Potassium: 285mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 806IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 2mg
Did you make this?Leave a comment and star rating below!
A fresh lentil salad topped with fried halloumi, roasted tomatoes and zucchini | thealmondeater.com
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UPDATE NOTE: This post was originally published in June 2018. It was updated with new text and photos in June 2020.

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Welcome! I’m Erin, author of the Almond Eater.

Here, you'll find recipes for all diet types, because I believe that healthy food should be delicious without being complicated.

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5 from 10 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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24 Comments

  1. Makenzi McCabe says:

    5 stars
    This was amazing!! I made it all vegan and added a couple of my own touches. I am not big on tomatoes but I will eat this all day long! So yummy !

    1. Erin says:

      One of my favorite summertime recipes — I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it!

  2. HARRY peter pappas says:

    5 stars
    Erin made these for my granddaughter nicked named airbear which is Reely Erin she
    said they were great

  3. Rosie says:

    5 stars
    I tried these for dinner tonite. Came out perfect. Thanks for the wonderful Easy peasy recipe.

    1. Erin says:

      One of my favorite ways to use up tomatoes — I’m glad you liked the recipe!

  4. Vanessa says:

    Thanks for sharing! Does the salsa keep long?

    1. Erin says:

      The salsa will keep for a few days in the refrigerator, but I’d recommend eating the tomatoes right away so they don’t get mushy.