Use This Classic Southern Fried Vegetable Instead Of Meat To Upgrade Your Next Sandwich

When building a hearty sandwich, having the right balance between bread, filling, sauces, and other accouterments is paramount. Meat may be a common filling ingredient, but there's much more than mere cold cuts to appease your appetite. Give your next sandwich a Southern-style twist with the vibrant addition of fried green tomatoes.

There are a number of vegan ingredients that can be made into meat alternatives, and this classic vegetable-based snack is an especially ideal swap for sandwiches, providing both optimal taste and texture. The firm underripe tomatoes become just tender enough in the frying process, giving way to a tart and vegetal flavor with a pleasing crunch on the outside. You can build a fried green tomato sandwich as simple or complex as you wish. It's all a matter of personal taste and preferences.

When using this classic Southern food as a meat substitute, it's a good idea to consider whether you want to make your sandwich fully vegetarian or vegan. This will determine how you prepare the tomatoes for frying and what other toppings to use. For example, you can skip the extra oil and make crispy fried green tomatoes in your air fryer, which would not require a traditional egg-based batter. Making fried green tomatoes the star of your sandwich opens up the possibilities for including other complementary ingredients and clever toppings.

Freshly fried slices of fried green tomatoes that you've taken care to properly drain and cool make a wonderful sandwich filling. Whether you want your sandwich to be entirely plant-based or feel comfortable adding animal proteins, the best types of toppings to pair with green tomato sandwiches are often those that provide a creamy counter to the crunchy texture. 

On the veggie side, this can mean mashed avocado or a spread of hummus. You can also try a plant-based mayonnaise or a classic version to accent your meal. For more Southern-inspired flavor, use a zingy remoulade sauce on your fried green tomato sandwich. Adding a splash of hot sauce to your sandwich along with either cooked or raw greens will give it just the right amount of heat and added nutritional value. You can also try using slices of cooked plant-based Cajun sausages or a traditional style of andouille.

Similarly, if you're planning to give your BLT a major upgrade by swapping in fried green tomatoes, try another twist on this classic with plant-based bacon. Add tender slices of provolone or pieces of fresh mozzarella cheese to give your fried green tomato sandwich a welcome addition of dairy. Keep structural integrity in mind when selecting bread for this sandwich, as fried green tomatoes are a particularly hearty filling. Any way you slice it, a fried green tomato sandwich is sure to satisfy.