5 Food Dishes That Are Absolute Symbols of Alabama

Alabama’s food dishes represent the state’s history and culture. If you’re in need of a little Southern comfort, Alabama’s most popular cuisine will not disappoint. No matter where you find yourself in the state, you’re bound to hunt down an iconic dish. Let’s dive into the five food dishes that are absolute symbols of Alabama.

1. Fried Green Tomatoes

If you’ve seen the movie Fried Green Tomatoes, perhaps you’re also familiar with Alabama-born writer Fannie Flagg’s book, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe. This bestselling novel from 1987 was later adapted into a major motion picture starring Kathy Bates. Flagg’s book, and later the film, cemented fried green tomatoes as a staple of Alabama cuisine. 

The dish is simple enough to make. Slice an unripe (green) tomato, coat it in cornmeal, and throw it in a skillet with oil. When crispy, eat with remoulade. Fried green tomatoes are frequently served as an appetizer across Alabama as well as other Southern states.

2. White Barbecue Sauce

The South is often associated with barbecue. However, each southeastern state or region tends to have its own take on the specialty. Eastern North Carolina has a vinegary sauce, the South Carolina Midlands uses a yellow mustard-based sauce, and Memphis specializes in smoky-sweet dry rub that makes sauce unnecessary. Alabama, most definitely, has its own take: white barbecue sauce. 

While this might seem strange to some, for Alabamians, white barbecue sauce is the traditional way. Undoubtedly, you can find all varieties of barbecue across the state, the white barbecue sauce is an Alabama specialty. The sauce is a mixture of mayonnaise and vinegar laced with black pepper. Some people also add a dash of horseradish for an extra kick. The white barbecue sauce can then be glazed on the barbecue. Sometimes the sauce is drizzled on a barbecue sandwich. If you are a barbecue connoisseur, you must give this white sauce a try!

3. Fried Catfish

With the ease of access to the Gulf Coast, fried catfish is a beloved staple across Alabama. Fried catfish is served crispy and golden brown, generally with a side of hushpuppies and coleslaw. Catfish can be prepared by baking or grilling, but since it is a hearty, thick fish, it is most often fried. For delectable fried catfish, use fresh oil and focus on the seasoning of the crust.

4. Fried Okra

Like many Southern staples, okra can be traced to Africa. The vegetable was brought to the United States by enslaved Africans around the 1700s and is most commonly used in soups and stews. However, as you might have noticed, Alabamians like to fry things, and okra is no exception. To make fried okra, slice the okra into ¼ inch pieces, coat the okra in egg, and then dredge the okra in a seasoned cornmeal mix. Heat the vegetable oil and add the okra. 

5. Banana Pudding 

Bananas began becoming an American staple during the mid-1800s. As bananas began making their way to port cities such as New York and Charleston from the West Indies, the fruit slowly began weaving its way into American cuisine. Although the origins of banana pudding are a little fuzzy, there is some overlap between banana pudding and the Southern icon: ambrosia. While banana pudding might not be distinctly Southern, Mobile, Alabama joined the banana trade just as the fruit was being introduced into American life. Slowly, homes began using the ingredients to make dessert. Southern banana pudding contains a pudding base, vanilla wafers, bananas, and whipped cream. Alabamians, like other Southerners, are protective of this sweet dessert. 

Symbols of Alabama

These iconic Alabama dishes are delectable, representing a diverse culinary heritage. With origins from Africa, the Gulf Coast, and the Appalachian Mountains, Alabama’s food dishes are a testament to the state’s unique history and cultural identity. These five foods are symbols of Alabama, a reflection of the state’s culinary traditions. 

Summary of 5 Dishes that Are Symbols of Alabama 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Brian Chan tigerrulezzz, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons – License / Original