Fideo Soup Recipe

Fideo soup, also known as Sopa de Fideo, is a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine, cherished for its rich, comforting flavors and the way it warms the soul. Think of it as a hearty, flavorful noodle soup with a light yet satisfying broth that’s perfect for any time of year but especially when you need a quick, comforting meal.

This humble dish is made by sautéing thin vermicelli noodles, adding a combination of tomatoes, onions, and garlic, and then simmering it all in a savory broth. The result is a simple, aromatic soup that’s both filling and nourishing. It’s typically enjoyed as a starter or light meal and can be customized with your favorite seasonings or protein for added depth.

What makes this dish special is its versatility and the fact that it can easily be adapted for different tastes, whether you’re looking for a more robust broth, extra vegetables, or even a kick of heat with chilies. Let’s dive deeper into the recipe and explore everything you need to make this delightful dish at home.

Here’s a detailed recipe for Sopa de Fideo, so you can recreate this delightful dish from scratch.

Ingredients Needed

Fideo noodles (vermicelli) – 2 cups, broken into 1-inch pieces
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (or vegetable oil)
Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
Garlic cloves – 3, minced
Tomatoes – 3 medium, chopped (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
Chicken or vegetable broth – 4 cups (low-sodium recommended)
Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons (for a richer flavor)
Chili powder or cumin – 1 teaspoon (optional, for heat or flavor)
Salt – To taste
Black pepper – To taste
Fresh cilantro – 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Lime wedges – 2 (optional, for serving)
Avocado slices – 1 (optional, for garnish)
Cooked chicken or beef – Optional, if you want to add protein

Cooking Instructions

Sauté The Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This will give your soup a solid aromatic base.
Toast The Noodles

Add the broken fideo noodles to the pot and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes. You want them to toast lightly in the oil, which will add flavor and texture to the soup.
Prepare The Tomato Base

Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned crushed tomatoes) and tomato paste to the pot. Stir everything together for another 2 minutes to allow the tomatoes to break down and release their juices.
Simmer The Soup

Pour in the broth, then season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like chili powder or cumin. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes. The noodles should absorb the broth and soften up.
Adjust The Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add a bit more broth at this stage.
Finish And Serve

Once the noodles are tender and the soup has reached your desired consistency, remove it from heat. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra layer of brightness.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in creating the right balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. Let’s break down some of the key players:

Fideo Noodles: These thin, vermicelli-style noodles are the star of the dish. They soak up the flavorful broth while maintaining a satisfying, soft texture. They add bulk and comfort without overwhelming the flavor of the broth.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are the backbone of the soup’s broth. Fresh tomatoes offer a sweet, tangy flavor that infuses the broth with a vibrant taste. If using canned, crushed tomatoes can work just as well, though fresh adds a lighter and brighter quality.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are a foundation of many Mexican dishes, and they do a fantastic job of deepening the flavor of the broth. The sweetness of the onion, combined with the bold, savory garlic, balances out the acidity from the tomatoes.
Broth: A good quality chicken or vegetable broth is essential. It gives the soup its body and enhances all the flavors. You can even make it from scratch, but store-bought broth is a fine shortcut for those short on time.
Cilantro and Lime: Fresh cilantro offers a burst of brightness and freshness, while lime adds a tangy kick to the soup. Both ingredients elevate the dish by balancing the richness of the tomato base and enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Expert Tips

Toasting the Noodles: Don’t skip the step of toasting the noodles. This step helps enhance the flavor and adds a lovely nutty undertone to the soup. Just be careful not to burn them – you want a light, golden brown.
Broth to Noodle Ratio: If you prefer your fideo soup on the thicker side, you can reduce the amount of broth. Alternatively, for a more soupy dish, add extra broth or water.
Broth Depth: If you’re looking to deepen the flavor, consider adding a bouillon cube or a teaspoon of miso paste. Both can provide a rich umami flavor that brings the broth to life.
Serving Suggestions: Fideo soup is great on its own, but you can serve it alongside a piece of crusty bread or a simple salad for a more complete meal. If you’re adding protein, shredded chicken or beef works wonderfully and turns this into a more substantial dish.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and skip the meat entirely. You can add extra vegetables like carrots, corn, or zucchini to bulk it up and keep it hearty.
Spicy Fideo Soup: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the onions and garlic at the start of the cooking process. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or chili powder for a warm, spicy kick.
Fideo with Meat: Adding protein to your fideo soup is a great way to make it more filling. Shredded rotisserie chicken, ground beef, or even beef chunks work well. If you use ground beef, sauté it along with the onions and garlic for extra flavor.
Creamy Version: For a creamy twist, stir in a small amount of heavy cream or whole milk just before serving. This will give the soup a velvety texture and a rich taste.

Final Words

Fideo soup is a versatile, comforting dish that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a family meal, a quick weeknight dinner, or a dish to impress friends, it’s a fantastic go-to recipe. It’s quick, flavorful, and doesn’t require many ingredients, making it perfect for when you want something homemade and satisfying with minimal effort.

This soup also has a way of evolving with your taste. From the basic, traditional recipe, you can add your own twist, making it as simple or complex as you like. The balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors makes this dish irresistible!

Fideo Soup Recipe