Name: Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Soup) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 8 oz fideo noodles (or broken vermicelli); ½ small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups tomato sauce (or blended tomatoes); 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth); ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Fresh cilantro; Queso fresco; Avocado; Lime wedges

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 87 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a bowl of warm, nostalgic comfort food that’s easy to whip up and bursting with flavor, then the Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Soup) Recipe is your new best friend. This beloved classic from Mexican kitchens brings together toasted thin noodles simmered gently in a rich, savory tomato broth that hugs you from the inside out. It’s wonderfully simple yet deeply satisfying, perfect for a light lunch, cozy dinner, or even as a charming starter to your family meal. The heart of this soup lies in its humble ingredients transforming into something truly special with just a little time and love in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal tray holds several cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a wooden surface. In the upper left corner, a small white bowl contains three garlic cloves. Next to it is a dark green bottle of extra virgin olive oil. To the right, there is an open can filled with whole peeled tomatoes in red sauce. Below the olive oil, a small white plate holds a few sprigs of fresh mint leaves. A small glass jar with ground spices is positioned near the center. A white bowl filled with coarse white salt sits next to the jar. At the bottom left, a bright yellow package of fine pasta strands is visible with two whole green limes next to it. Finally, a large bunch of fresh green cilantro is placed near a white carton of organic chicken broth on the right side. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards an unforgettable Sopa de Fideo experience. Each component plays an essential role in building layers of taste, the perfect texture, and that vibrant, authentic color you want in every bowl.

Vegetable oil: This is for toasting the noodles perfectly to a golden crisp, which builds a nutty depth of flavor.
Fideo noodles (or broken vermicelli): These delicate noodles soak up the soup’s essence and cook quickly for fuss-free comfort.
Onion (½ small, diced): Adds a mild sweetness and savory backbone when sautéed.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings warmth and just the right punch of aroma without overpowering.
Tomato sauce (2 cups): The bright, tangy base that transforms the broth into a vibrant hue and rich flavor.
Chicken broth (4 cups) or vegetable broth: Provides the soul of the soup, delivering depth and comforting warmth.
Ground cumin (½ teaspoon): A subtle earthiness that complements the tomato and noodles beautifully.
Chili powder (½ teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick of heat that’s entirely optional but oh-so-good.
Salt and black pepper: To season just right, enhancing all the natural flavors without overwhelming.
Optional toppings: Fresh cilantro, queso fresco, creamy avocado slices, and lime wedges bring freshness and texture contrasts that elevate every spoonful.

How to Make Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Soup) Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Noodles

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the fideo noodles and stir constantly to toast them evenly until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step is essential as it gives the soup a toasty depth and prevents the noodles from becoming mushy later on.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add the diced onion to the toasted noodles and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and become translucent. Then, stir in minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until you can smell that irresistible garlicky fragrance filling your kitchen.

Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Broth

Pour in your tomato sauce and chicken broth, stirring everything together so the toasted noodles soak up all that liquid. This is where the soup starts its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful base.

Step 4: Season the Soup

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, optional chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. These spices give the soup its signature warm and slightly spicy character. Remember to taste as you go, adjusting seasoning to your preference.

Step 5: Simmer Until Noodles Are Tender

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low so it simmers softly for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally — the noodles should be cooked through but still hold their shape, soaking up all those incredible flavors.

Step 6: Final Taste and Serve

Give the soup a final taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve your Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Soup) Recipe piping hot with your choice of toppings for that extra flair and freshness.

How to Serve Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Soup) Recipe

Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Soup) Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Enhancing your bowl with toppings not only looks inviting but adds layers of brightness, creaminess, and tang. Fresh cilantro leaves bring a burst of herbal freshness while crumbled queso fresco adds a salty, crumbly touch. Creamy avocado slices lend richness, and a squeeze of lime juice adds zesty brightness that cuts through the depth of the broth beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup shines wonderfully on its own but pairs marvelously with warm, soft corn tortillas or crispy tortilla chips to scoop up every last bit. A side of Mexican-style rice or a simple salad can round out the meal without stealing the spotlight from this star soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, try serving Sopa de Fideo in small cups or mason jars as an appetizer at your next gathering. You can also add shredded cooked chicken or sautéed vegetables like zucchini or carrots to stretch it into a heartier main dish. Small bowls for a family-style dinner make it feel cozy and communal, perfect for those chilly evenings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftover sopa de fideo to airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect quick meal when you’re short on time but craving comfort.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, though keep in mind the noodles may absorb some broth and become softer on thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. When ready, gently thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until warmed through, then garnish fresh before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle instead of fideo?

Absolutely! While traditional fideo noodles are preferred for their size and texture, broken vermicelli or angel hair pasta can be substituted with great results. Just keep an eye on cooking time as thinner noodles cook quickly.

Is this soup spicy?

The classic Sopa de Fideo is mild and comforting. The chili powder is optional and can be adjusted to your taste, so feel free to skip it if you prefer no heat or add a little more if you love spice.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any cheese toppings if you want to keep it fully vegetarian or vegan-friendly. The flavors remain just as delicious.

How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?

Toasting the noodles before simmering helps keep their texture intact. Also, avoid overcooking — simmer just until tender but not falling apart, and enjoy the soup soon after making it.

Can I add protein to this soup?

Definitely! Shredded cooked chicken is a popular addition that makes the soup more filling. You can also stir in cooked beans or tofu for a protein boost without shifting the flavors too much.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about a bowl of Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Soup) Recipe — whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment alone. It’s simple, approachable, and yet packed with soulful flavors that make you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy kitchen hug. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and discover just how magical such humble ingredients can be when brought together with care.