The Best Sopa De Fideo Recipe - Mexican Noodle Soup (2024)

By: Author Soniya Saluja

Posted on - Last updated:

58 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Sopa de fideo / Mexican Noodle Soup is a filling and savory soup with a robust flavor that you and your family will enjoy. It cooks up in minutes, making it an easy choice for weeknight dinners or as a quick make ahead meal on a Sunday afternoon. Dunk our Mexican bolillo bread to enjoyevery last drop. You will adore this as a delicious dinner or as a quick lunch on those busy week days.

Come JOIN US on our FACEBOOK group and be a part of our community and discuss various recipes, tips and tricks.

LET’S BE FRIENDS ONPINTEREST! WE’RE ALWAYS PINNING TASTY RECIPES!

The Best Sopa De Fideo Recipe - Mexican Noodle Soup (1)

Jump to:
  • What is Sopa de Fideo or Fideos Soup?
  • Why make Fideo soup in the Instant Pot?
  • Ingredients needed to make Sopa De Fideos
  • How to make Sopa De Fideo in the Instant Pot
  • How to Make Sopa De Fideo on the Stove Top
  • Pro Tips and Tricks for Fideo Recipe
  • Other soup recipes
  • 📋Sopa De Fideo Recipe

What is Sopa de Fideo or Fideos Soup?

"Sopa" is the Spanish word for soup. "Fideo" is the Spanish word for noodle. Put ’em together and you’ve got Mexican noodle soup! Fideo soup is a Mexican noodle soup made with a tomato base broth that contains small noodles called fideo or vermicelli.It is popular in several parts of the world, including Mexico. It is a savory, somewhat smoky flavored soup that is perfect for cool fall days or on a cold winter night.

The Best Sopa De Fideo Recipe - Mexican Noodle Soup (2)

Why make Fideo soup in the Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot was practically made to make soup making easier and faster. It is truly a one pot meal. You can saute onions and other veggies. Cook noodles as the soup cooks. And generally cook most soups in less than 30 minutes. Since we got our Instant Pot, we can’t imagine making soups the old fashioned way!

Ingredients needed to make Sopa De Fideos

If you are making this fideo soup at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Roma or plum tomatoes - the heart of this tasty soup
  • White onion - you could use a yellow onion if that’s what you have on hand
  • Garlic cloves - added flavoring
  • Spices - cumin, paprika, and salt
  • Oil - great for sautéing the noodles and making sure they don’t stick.
  • Fideo noodles / fideo pasta (vermicelli noodles)- thick and soaks up the broth when eating.
  • Vegetable stock- adds a great flavorful base.
  • Lime - Just a Squeeze!
  • Fresh cilantro - flavorful seasoning and garnish

How to make Sopa De Fideo in the Instant Pot

It is very easy to make Instant Pot Sopa De Fideo. Here’s how to do it.

The Best Sopa De Fideo Recipe - Mexican Noodle Soup (3)
  • Place the diced tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Press sauté mode of your Instant Pot. Once it gets hot, add the oil to the inner pot. Next, add the fideo noodles / fideo pasta and stir constantly for about 3 to 5 minutes or until they turn golden or light brown in color.
The Best Sopa De Fideo Recipe - Mexican Noodle Soup (4)
  • Pour tomato sauce over the noodles and stir. Let the mixture come to a slight boil. Next, add the vegetable stock, salt, cumin powder, paprika, and cilantro to noodle mixture and stir. Press cancel and place the lid on the Instant Pot.
  • Set your Instant Pot to pressure cook for 4 minutes on high pressure. Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick-release of the remaining pressure.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls. Squeeze lime juice into the soup and sprinkle with cilantro as desired. Serve hot .If you want to have fun with toppings, try a few chunks of avocado, or avocado slices, some crumbled queso fresco, or even a few air fryer tortilla chips
The Best Sopa De Fideo Recipe - Mexican Noodle Soup (5)

How to Make Sopa De Fideo on the Stove Top

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still make this delicious soup on the stove top. Here’s how to do it.

  • Start by blending the onions, tomatoes, and garlic until it is smooth.
  • In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat and then add the noodles. Stir the noodles constantly as you toast them for about 3 to 5 minutes or until they become golden brown in color.
  • Pour in the tomato mixture and vegetable broth. Stir it all together and bring the soup up to a light boil. Partially cover and allow the soup to simmer on medium-low heat for about 30 minutes or until the noodles are soft and soup has reduced some.
  • Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro and lime juice. Serve and enjoy!
The Best Sopa De Fideo Recipe - Mexican Noodle Soup (6)

Pro Tips and Tricks for Fideo Recipe

For best results, follow these tips:

  • Always toast the angel hair noodles first. This gives them a delicious extra flavor.
  • Use only roma or plum tomatoes for the best consistency and taste in the soup.
  • Use white or yellow onions, not red or other varieties.
  • Don’t be afraid to season your soup. If the flavor doesn’t pop, add a bit more salt.
  • Don’t over cook the soup, it only needs 4 minutes and a 5 minute natural release in an electric pressure cooker to be cooked to perfection.
  • As your noodles sit in the broth it will continue to absorb the broth and you will need to add more water / broth when warming up again
The Best Sopa De Fideo Recipe - Mexican Noodle Soup (7)

What is the origin of Sopa de Fideo

Sopa de Fideo is believed to have been influenced by Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, as noodles were introduced to Mexico during the Spanish colonial period. Over time, it evolved into a popular and widely enjoyed dish across the country, with regional variations adding their own unique twists to the recipe.
Today, Sopa de Fideo remains a cherished part of Mexican culinary heritage, often served in homes and restaurants as a comforting and flavorful soup that brings families together over a warm and delicious bowl. Its versatility and heartwarming flavors have also gained popularity beyond Mexico's borders, making it a favorite dish for many who appreciate its rich history and delightful taste.

Can I make Sopa de fideo ahead of time?

One of the best things about soup is you can make a large pot on the weekends and serve it throughout the week either as dinner or lunch. And with the right containers, you can send them with your family to work or school as a warm lunch on a cool day.

How to Store Sopa De fideo

To store, allow the soup to cool to room temperature. Ladle the soup into one large or several individual containers that have an airtight seal. Store the soup for up to about 5 to 6 days in the refrigerator.

How to reheat Sopa De fideo

Reheat either in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or on the stove top over medium low heat.

Can I freeze fideo pasta soup?

You can also freeze this soup if you like. To do this, allow it to cool and then ladle into freezer safe containers. Leave a little bit of space between the soup and the top of the container to allow room for it to expand when it freezes. You can freeze it for up to 6 months. When you are ready to serve, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnightThe Best Sopa De Fideo Recipe - Mexican Noodle Soup (8)

Can I use any other Pasta noodles for the Fideo Soup ?

As for the noodles, you can use whatever you love. We love the lightness of vermicelli noodles/ fideo pasta, but you can throw just about any small pasta into the pot. (Ditalini, Small shells, Elbow, Angel hair)

Is Sopa de fideo recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan friendly. You should try our other vegan soups.
Minestrone Soup
Black Bean Soup
Split pea soup
Copycat Panera Tomato Basil Soup

Is Sopa de fideo gluten free?

It can be made gluten free if you use the Asian rice noodle variety of vermicelli it is. If you use the kind of vermicelli found in the Italian section of the grocery store than it will not be.The Best Sopa De Fideo Recipe - Mexican Noodle Soup (9)

Other soup recipes

Soup is a great meal on a cool or cold day. If you want some great ideas of soups you can serve your family, here are some of our favorites:

  • Black Bean Soup
  • Broccoli Cheese Soup
  • Wild Rice Soup

We also have an entire section devoted to soup recipes that you should check out. You are sure to find something that makes your belly rumble.

More Mexican inspired recipes

  • Instant pot Rice and Beans
  • Copycat Chipotle Sofritas
  • Chalupa
  • Spanish rice
  • Refried beans
  • Charro beans
  • Tomatillo salsa Verde
  • Vegan burrito bowl
  • Telera Bread

If you make this Sopa de fideo recipe, Don’t forget to come back and leave your feedback and star rating. We would be THRILLED if you would take a pic and tag us on Instagram @dbellyrulesdmindor Facebook @thebellyrulesthemind

The Best Sopa De Fideo Recipe - Mexican Noodle Soup (10)

📋Sopa De Fideo Recipe

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 14 minutes

Sopa de fideo / Mexican Noodle Soup is a filling and savory soup with a robust flavor that you and your family will enjoy. It cooks up in minutes, making it an easy choice for weeknight dinners or as a quick make ahead meal on a Sunday afternoon. You will adore this as a delicious dinner or as a quick lunch on those busy week days.

Ingredients

  • 4 Roma or plum tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/2 white onion
  • 2 large clove garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground Cumin
  • 6 ounce fideo noodles (vermicelli noodles)
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4 cups vegetable stock
  • salt to taste
  • lime juice , optional for garnish
  • fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish

Instructions

Instant - Pot Instructions

  1. Add tomatoes, onion, and garlic to a blender, blend until smooth. The Best Sopa De Fideo Recipe - Mexican Noodle Soup (11)
  2. Press sauté mode of your instant pot. When hot add oil in inner steel pot.
    Add fideo noodles and stir constantly until golden light brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Pour tomato - onion mixture. Stir and bring to a slight boil.
  4. Add in the vegetable stock, salt, cumin powder, paprika and cilantro to noodle mixture and stir. Press Cancel.
  5. Pressure cook for 4 minutes on high.
  6. Allow pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick-release remaining pressure.The Best Sopa De Fideo Recipe - Mexican Noodle Soup (12)
  7. Ladle soup into bowls squeeze lime juice as desired and garnish with cilantro to serve.
  8. If you want to have fun with toppings, try afew chunks of avocado, some crumbledqueso fresco, or even a few tortilla chips

Stove - Top Instructions

  1. Start by blending the onions, tomatoes, and garlic until it is smooth.
  2. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat and then add the noodles.
  3. Stir the noodles constantly as you toast them for about 3 to 5 minutes or until they become golden brown in color.
  4. Pour in the tomato mixture and vegetable broth. Add the salt, cumin powder, paprika and cilantro and Stir it all together and bring the soup up to a light boil.
  5. Partially cover and allow the soup to simmer on medium-low heat for about 30 minutes or until the noodles are soft and soup has reduced some.
  6. Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro and lime juice. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Always toast the noodles first. This gives them a delicious extra flavor.
  • Use only roma or plum tomatoes for the best consistency and taste in the soup.
  • Use white or yellow onions, not red or other varieties.
  • Don’t be afraid to season your soup. If the flavor doesn’t pop, add a bit more salt.
  • Don’t over cook the soup, it only needs 4 minutes and a 5 minute natural release in an electric pressure cooker to be cooked to perfection.
  • As your noodles sit in the broth it will continue to absorb the broth and you will need to add more water / broth when warming up again

Follow us for more delicious Recipes !

Did you makerecipe? don’t forget to come back and leave your feedback and star rating.

About Soniya

Hello, I am Soniya, the cofounder of The Belly Rules The Mind.Originally from Mumbai, India, I am settled in Virginia US with my husband.

The Best Sopa De Fideo Recipe - Mexican Noodle Soup (18)I am a mother of 2 energetic boys, referred to as R2 (15-year-old) and R3 (10-year-old) on the blog. In case you are wondering who is R1, well that is my husband.

My hubby and I were born in Mumbai, India, where we were spoiled by the wealth of food choices available to us. We could enjoy everything from yummy street food to multi-cuisine restaurants and we became very picky about what we like and what we don't. Come join us on our journey to have "The Belly Rule The Mind"

The Best Sopa De Fideo Recipe - Mexican Noodle Soup (2024)

FAQs

Why does my sopa de fideo come out mushy? ›

The fideo will become mushy if overcooked. For Mexican sopa de fideo with a wonderful texture, remove the soup from the heat when the noodles have reached your desired tenderness and serve immediately. If making this recipe ahead, cook until the noodles are al dente with just a little firmness left.

What is the difference between fideo and noodles? ›

Simply put, fideos means “noodles” in Spanish. But the word actually refers to a particular kind of noodle—short and golden, with vermicelli-like thinness—as well as to specific dishes.

What is sopa de fideo made of? ›

Sopa de Fideo is super quick and delicious and one of Mexico's most classic soup recipes! It's made with tomatoes, noodles, garlic, and broth and then you can add extra toppings as your heart desires.

Is fideo Spanish or Mexican? ›

Fideo is a delicious family favorite and one that emphasizes our native tomato. I first wrote about this some years ago, but decided to post this recipe again because I suddenly realized that our “Fideo” probably predates the Italian dish, spaghetti with tomato sauce.

Why does my fideo absorb all the water? ›

Once the pan is removed from the heat and as the dish sits, the pasta will eventually absorb all of the broth, making it become “dry”. If you prefer a more brothy sort of fideo, you will have to add a cup or two more of broth or water to offset the absorption process.

How do I keep noodles from getting mushy in soup? ›

How do you keep noodles from getting soggy in soup? The trick is to only add the noodles when you are ready to serve the soup. If you make a large pot of soup, reserve the pasta, and add it to each portion as you reheat it, cooking it in the soup for the time recommended on the package.

What is the difference between caldo and sopa? ›

Depending on whom you ask, caldo is either a soup or a stew, but the truth is, a real caldo is neither. A soup is a sopa and a stew is a guiso, like carne guisada, the gravied friend of a warmed flour tortilla. But a caldo is a broth.

Is sopa de fideo good for you? ›

While Sopa de fideo can be a healthy weight-loss choice, choosing a low-sodium and carbohydrate recipe is essential. Using whole-grain noodles, adding vegetables like zucchini or spinach, and using low-sodium broth can all make sopa de fideo a healthier option.

Why is fideo so good? ›

Sopa de fideo is likely the most popular one, and for good reason — it's easy, filling, cozy and cooks even faster than a pot of Spanish rice.

Is fideo just cut spaghetti? ›

Fideo noodles are fine noodles, usually made with durum wheat and water, rolled, then cut into about 1"-1 1/2" pieces and dried. Depending on the region, recipes occasionally call for substituting broken pieces of vermicelli, angel hair pasta, or even spaghetti.

How long is fideo good for in the fridge? ›

Storing and Reheating

Sopa de fideo can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight container. To reheat, heat in a medium pot over medium heat until warm, or microwave on high for 4 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Do they eat pasta in Mexico? ›

A traditional comida begins with soup, followed by a pasta or rice course and finally a main course, served with tortillas or a basket of bolillos (white rolls). While you might not always find that exact lineup on the table, the Bajío region remains fairly traditional with regards to lunch.

Why does my pasta get mushy? ›

If you use a pot that's not large enough, the water temperature will begin to drop. This will result in clumpy, mushy pasta. Additionally, this will create a higher starch-to-water ratio, which causes the pasta to stick together. In conclusion: Avoid clumpy, mushy, and sticky pasta by using the right pot!

How to keep macaroni from getting mushy? ›

Using a lid to trap heat in the pot will speed up this process. Water at an adequate boil will cook pasta faster, without suffering a significant temperature drop when the noodles are added, and this will keep your pasta from getting mushy.

Why does my sopa de fideo get thick? ›

Otherwise, as the soup sits, the noodles will absorb the broth, resulting in a thick sopa with mushy noodles. I'm not a fan of thick fideo soup – I like the broth to be nice and soupy. So when I got home, I took Rosie's advice and began experimenting only to learn that properly toasting the noodles was indeed the key!

Why did my egg noodles turn to mush? ›

With their delicate composition, egg noodles can quickly absorb liquids and become overly soft. Adding them too early in the soup-making process might lead to a soggy, gooey outcome, losing that satisfying bite.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Terence Hammes MD

Last Updated:

Views: 5888

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terence Hammes MD

Birthday: 1992-04-11

Address: Suite 408 9446 Mercy Mews, West Roxie, CT 04904

Phone: +50312511349175

Job: Product Consulting Liaison

Hobby: Jogging, Motor sports, Nordic skating, Jigsaw puzzles, Bird watching, Nordic skating, Sculpting

Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.