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Sopa De Fideo Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Sopa De Fideo Recipe with friends because it’s the kind of comforting, soul-warming soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. This simple yet flavorful noodle soup comes together with pantry staples and fresh ingredients, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or when you want something satisfying that’s not too heavy. I discovered it when I was craving something light but flavorful, and it quickly became a family favorite that I keep coming back to.

When you try this Sopa De Fideo Recipe, you’ll find that the toasty browned vermicelli adds a nutty richness that really sets it apart from your typical noodle soups. Plus, the fresh tomato base blended with onion and garlic delivers a bright, homey taste that’s so inviting. It’s easy enough for beginners, yet delicious enough to impress guests—and that’s why I swear by this recipe whenever I want something quick, wholesome, and genuinely tasty.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and a few fresh additions for easy prep.
  • Rich, Toasty Flavor: Browning the fideo noodles adds depth that’s super satisfying.
  • Versatile and Comforting: A hearty soup that feels homemade but comes together fast.
  • Family Favorite: This recipe always gets rave reviews from everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this sopa de fideo lies in combining fresh, aromatic ingredients with simple noodles and broth. Each element works together to create that cozy, layered flavor I adore. When shopping, look for good-quality canned tomatoes and fresh herbs for maximum flavor.

  • Extra-virgin olive oil or neutral oil: Adds richness and helps toast the noodles without overpowering the soup.
  • Fideo or vermicelli: Use broken 1-inch pieces; this type of pasta crisps up beautifully before simmering.
  • Kosher salt: Enhances every flavor layer – just remember to divide and add at different steps.
  • White onion: Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness and depth.
  • Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic gives that classic aromatic punch.
  • Whole canned tomatoes: Blended for a smooth, vibrant base—great to use a quality brand you trust.
  • Ground coriander and cumin: These spices warm up the soup and add a little hint of earthiness.
  • Chicken broth: Low-sodium works best so you can control salt levels and flavor balance.
  • Queso fresco, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges: Classic garnishes that brighten and personalize each bowl.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Sopa De Fideo Recipe is—it’s such a fun base to play around with. Whether you want to keep it classic or jazz it up a bit, you’ll find there’s plenty of room to make it your own.

  • Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and add extra veggies like zucchini or carrots for a veggie-packed spin.
  • Spicy Kick: I’ve added a dash of chipotle powder or fresh diced jalapeño to the tomato blend for a smoky, spicy edge that my spice-loving friends really enjoy.
  • Protein Boost: Stir in shredded cooked chicken or browned ground turkey near the end to turn it into a hearty meal.
  • Herb Swaps: Fresh oregano or epazote can swap in for cilantro if you want a more traditional Mexican herb flavor.

How to Make Sopa De Fideo Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Noodles to Golden Perfection

Start by heating the oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add the fideo noodles and sprinkle half the salt. Resist the urge to stir constantly—let the noodles sit mostly undisturbed so they can brown slowly. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, but you want that beautiful golden color that gives the soup its signature nutty flavor. Once toasted, scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 2: Blend and Cook the Tomato Base

While the noodles cool, combine chopped onion, garlic, and canned whole tomatoes in a blender. Pulse until you get a nearly smooth, light pink mixture—that aeration helps develop flavor and freshness. Pour the blend carefully into your pot to avoid splatter, then cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This step usually takes around 10 minutes, enough to cook off the rawness and let the aromas bloom. Stir in the coriander, cumin, and remaining salt for that earthy warmth that balances the bright tomato base.

Step 3: Simmer Noodles in Broth Until Tender

Return the toasted fideo to the pot and pour in your chicken broth. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring now and then to keep noodles from sticking—patience is key here. The noodles will soak up the flavorful broth and soften within 15 to 18 minutes. Keep tasting towards the end to ensure the noodles are perfectly tender to your liking without turning mushy.

Step 4: Serve with Fresh Toppings and a Squeeze of Lime

Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then top with crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro for that fresh, creamy contrast. Don’t forget to set out lime wedges! A quick squeeze just before eating brightens up every spoonful, giving you that perfect balance of warmth and zing.

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Pro Tips for Making Sopa De Fideo Recipe

  • Don’t Rush Toasting: Take your time to get a deep golden color on the noodles—they carry a huge flavor punch.
  • Blend for Freshness: Blending tomatoes with onion and garlic creates a smooth base that cooks evenly and tastes fresh.
  • Season Gradually: Adding salt in two parts keeps everything perfectly balanced without getting too salty.
  • Watch Noodle Texture: Overcooking makes the sopa mushy—start tasting early as it simmers to catch that tender-but-not-soggy point.

How to Serve Sopa De Fideo Recipe

Sopa De Fideo Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are crumbled queso fresco and plenty of freshly chopped cilantro—they bring in creaminess and herbaceous brightness that contrast the warm soup perfectly. I always set out lime wedges because a squeeze right before eating really lifts the flavors and adds a lively citrus zing. Sometimes, I’ll add diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream too, which is heavenly.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm corn tortillas or some homemade totopos for dipping. Sometimes, I serve it alongside a simple salad of fresh greens dressed with lime and olive oil for a light contrast. If you’re feeling indulgent, a side of Mexican rice makes the meal extra hearty and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this sopa de fideo in small, rustic bowls garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for a fresh, elegant touch. Another idea is to offer an array of toppings buffet-style so guests can customize their bowls with different cheeses, herbs, and lime. It makes serving this traditional soup feel festive and interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the noodles keep soaking up broth, the soup thickens as it sits, so I sometimes add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up for that perfect consistency.

Freezing

Freezing sopa de fideo works pretty well but keep in mind the noodles might get softer once thawed. I freeze it without garnishes, portioned in airtight containers, and it keeps for about 2 months. When thawing, I reheat gently on the stove, stirring often to keep it creamy and delicious.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Add a little broth or water to refresh the texture and stir frequently to prevent sticking. I find avoiding the microwave keeps that freshly made taste and texture intact.

FAQs

  1. What is fideo in sopa de fideo?

    Fideo refers to thin, short noodles similar to vermicelli that are traditionally used in this Mexican noodle soup. They’re broken into smaller pieces and toasted before simmering, which creates a distinctive nutty flavor and texture for the sopa de fideo.

  2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

    Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can work well if they’re ripe and flavorful. You’ll want to cook and blend them similarly to the canned ones, but be mindful of adjusting cooking times to ensure the rawness cooks off fully.

  3. Is sopa de fideo gluten-free?

    Traditional sopa de fideo uses wheat-based noodles, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free vermicelli or other similar noodles to adapt the recipe if needed.

  4. How long does it take to make sopa de fideo?

    The entire process takes about 40 minutes: 10 minutes prep and about 30 minutes cooking, including toasting the noodles and simmering the soup until tender and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Sopa De Fideo Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen because it reminds me of those warm family dinners where every spoonful feels like comfort and love. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a simple, elegant, and truly flavorful soup that almost anyone will enjoy. Give it a try—you’ll probably find it becomes your go-to recipe whenever you crave something cozy, homemade, and delightfully easy to whip up.

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Sopa De Fideo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 52 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

Sopa de Fideo is a traditional Mexican noodle soup that features toasted vermicelli pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato-based broth with aromatic spices. This comforting and simple soup is garnished with crumbled queso fresco, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, perfect for a cozy meal.


Ingredients

Soup

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil or neutral oil
  • 6 oz. fideo or vermicelli, broken into 1″ pieces
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large or 4 small cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 (14-oz.) can whole tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 6 cups store-bought or homemade low-sodium chicken broth

To Serve

  • Crumbled queso fresco
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges


Instructions

  1. Toast the noodles: In a large heavy pot over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the fideo noodles and season with half of the salt (1/2 tsp). Cook mostly undisturbed, allowing the noodles to become golden brown and toasted evenly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the toasted noodles to a medium bowl to prevent overcooking.
  2. Prepare the tomato base: In a blender, combine the chopped onion, garlic, and canned whole tomatoes. Blend until nearly smooth and the mixture turns a light pink and is aerated. Carefully pour this mixture into the same pot used for toasting, avoiding splatter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raw smell of onion and garlic dissipates, about 10 minutes. Stir in the ground coriander, cumin, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt to season.
  3. Simmer the soup: Return the toasted noodles to the pot and add the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed some of the flavorful broth, approximately 15 to 18 minutes.
  4. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the soup for added brightness and flavor.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit queso fresco.
  • To make homemade chicken broth, simmer chicken bones with aromatics for several hours until flavorful.
  • Be careful when blending hot ingredients to avoid splatters—blend in batches if necessary.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on the broth used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

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