Fideo Seco a la Diabla (Spicy Dry Noodle Soup)
Toasted vermicelli simmered until the fiery red devil sauce is absorbed, topped with avocado, coriander and pickled onion.
Made with Pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas) and Salsa a la diabla. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time35 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.65 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the oil in a wide, lidded pan over a medium heat. Add the broken fideo and stir for 3 to 4 minutes, until deep golden brown. Watch it closely as it colours quickly.
4 min - 2
Pour in your ready made salsa a la diabla (see the base recipe) and the vegetable stock. It will bubble up, so stand back.
- 3
Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the noodles are soft and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
9 min - 4
Take off the heat and leave covered for 3 minutes. It should be saucy, not soupy. Add a splash of hot water if it looks dry.
3 min - 5
Spoon into bowls and top with avocado, coriander, your ready made pickled red onions (see the base recipe) and lime wedges.
Tips
- Browning the noodles gives the dish its nutty flavour. Do not skip it, but do not let it go dark brown.
- Stir often towards the end so the noodles do not stick or catch on the base.
- Use gluten free thin noodles if needed, but cook for less time and check the packet.
- Leftovers thicken fast, so loosen with a splash of water or stock.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 1 hour and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water until steaming hot all the way through. Do not freeze.
Questions
What is fideo seco?
Fideo seco means dry noodle soup. The noodles are toasted, cooked in a seasoned tomato and chilli broth until the liquid is absorbed, and served like a pasta dish.
Can I use spaghetti?
Yes. Break spaghetti into 3 cm lengths, or use angel hair nests, and toast in the same way.
Is it vegan?
Yes, with vegetable stock and no cheese topping. Check the noodle label for egg if you need it free of animal products.
More made with pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas)
Lamb Shawarma Wraps with Tahini Sauce and Pickled Red Onions
DFEFNFPescado a la Talla (Acapulco Style Grilled Fish with Adobo)
DFEFNFTostadas de Atún con Chipotle (Tuna Tostadas)
DFNFBBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sliders
VGVDFSee every dish made with pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.