There’s something beautifully nostalgic about a good fideo recipe. The moment the vermicelli hits the skillet and begins to toast, releasing that nutty aroma, I’m instantly transported back to my abuela’s kitchen. The scent of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and onions weaving through the air, it’s a sensory experience that feels like a warm hug. And trust me, if you’re looking for a dish that delivers both flavor and comfort in one bowl, this fideo recipe is exactly what you need.
Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or even those chilly days when your soul craves something warm and hearty, this dish is a Mexican staple for a reason. It’s quick, affordable, customizable, and above all, deeply satisfying. Traditionally served as Sopa de Fideo (noodle soup), the dish has morphed into countless variations across families, regions, and even generations.
The flavor profile of this fideo recipe is a balance of deep tomato richness, toasted pasta notes, and a mellow warmth from garlic and cumin. It’s mellow enough for kids, yet bold enough to satisfy any seasoned palate. Whether you’re new to Mexican cuisine or a long-time lover of its robust flavors, this dish is a delicious entry point into the heart of home-cooked Mexican comfort food.
And here’s the best part, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a cozy, soul-soothing bowl that tastes like it simmered all day. This is the kind of recipe that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire.
Table of contents
Recipe Card
Fideo recipe
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes260
kcalThis classic Mexican sopa de fideo recipe is a comforting, simple soup made with toasted fideo noodles simmered in a flavorful tomato broth. It’s a quick, budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for a light meal or side.
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Ingredients
200g fideo noodles (or vermicelli pasta)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 ripe tomatoes, blended into a puree (or 400g canned crushed tomatoes)
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Directions
- Toast the Fideo Noodles: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the fideo noodles and stir constantly for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Tomato Puree: Stir in the tomato puree, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the broth, stir well, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. For an extra burst of freshness, add chopped cilantro.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
Notes
- Fideo noodles are thin, short-cut noodles. If you can’t find them, vermicelli or angel hair pasta broken into small pieces works as a substitute.
- You can use store-bought tomato puree, but fresh blended tomatoes offer a brighter flavor.
- For a heartier version, add cooked shredded chicken or vegetables like zucchini or carrots.
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Why This Fideo Recipe Works
What makes this fideo recipe truly shine is its simplicity layered with technique. The star of the show? Toasted fideo noodles. Browning the thin pasta in oil before simmering builds a nutty, toasty base that deepens the overall flavor, no bland noodles here.
The tomato broth is equally important. A quick blend of tomatoes, onion, and garlic, either fresh or canned—creates a savory, velvety base. It’s customizable too. Add a pinch of cumin for earthiness, or toss in chipotle for a smoky twist.
This fideo recipe uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Pasta, tomatoes, garlic, onion, broth, nothing fancy, but when combined thoughtfully, the result is deeply comforting and full of flavor.
It’s also incredibly versatile. Want it heartier? Stir in shredded chicken or beans. Feeding picky eaters? Keep it mild and let everyone top their bowls with what they love, lime, avocado, queso fresco, or a swirl of sour cream.
And here’s a bonus: it’s ready in about 30 minutes. That makes this fideo recipe a weeknight hero, a rainy day comfort food, or even a nostalgic dish to reconnect with your roots.
Additional Tips:
- Key to Perfect Fideo Noodles: The toasting process is crucial to bring out the nutty, rich flavor of the noodles. Stir constantly to ensure they don’t burn.
- Customizing the Broth: While chicken broth is traditional, you can easily swap it with vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian. For a richer taste, try adding a small splash of chicken bouillon.
- Adding Protein: Want to make this a heartier meal? Toss in shredded chicken or beef, or add cooked black beans for a vegetarian-friendly protein boost.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red chili flakes when sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Make it Ahead: This fideo soup recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch, and the flavors will deepen over time in the fridge. Simply reheat on the stovetop, adding more broth if needed.
- Fideo Variations: You can switch out fideo noodles for other pasta types like orzo or even small elbow macaroni to switch things up while keeping the essence of the dish.
Recipe Variants of Fideo Recipe:
- Creamy Fideo Soup: Add a splash of cream or milk to the soup for a richer texture.
- Fideo with Chicken: Incorporate shredded chicken for a more filling meal.
- Spicy Fideo Soup: Include chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Vegetarian Fideo Soup: Use vegetable broth and add more veggies like zucchini or carrots.
- Fideo with Chorizo: Add browned chorizo to give the soup a smoky, meaty flavor.
FAQs
Fideo is typically made from thin vermicelli-style noodles, often toasted in oil before being simmered in a tomato-based broth.
Yes, fideo is similar to vermicelli, but it’s usually cut shorter and used specifically in Mexican dishes like sopa de fideo.
Absolutely! Just break the spaghetti into small 1-inch pieces before toasting to mimic traditional fideo pasta.
Sopa de fideo features toasted noodles simmered in a tomato-garlic broth, giving it a uniquely smoky, rich flavor compared to typical clear noodle soups.
To avoid soggy noodles, toast them well and simmer just until al dente. Don’t overcook or let it sit too long before serving.
Yes, but it’s best fresh. If made ahead, store the noodles and broth separately to keep the texture just right.
Final Thoughts
This fideo recipe is the kind of dish that brings both comfort and convenience to the table. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create something deeply flavorful and nourishing in under 30 minutes. The toasted noodles and rich tomato broth give it a satisfying depth, while the simplicity makes it a reliable go-to for any night of the week.
If you’re in the mood to explore more soul-warming meals, pair this with a bowl of Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup for a hearty family dinner. Want something even cozier? Try the Crock Pot Celery and Carrot Soup Recipe, it’s slow-cooked comfort at its finest. And for a spicier twist to complement your fideo, the Smoky Chipotle Chicken Recipe delivers bold flavor without fuss.
Whether you’re honoring tradition or trying fideo for the first time, this recipe is a heartwarming way to enjoy a taste of Mexican home cooking.
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