Fideo Tostado al Chipotle (Toasted Vermicelli in Chipotle Sauce)
Thin vermicelli toasted golden then cooked in smoky chipotle tomato sauce until it absorbs every drop, topped with avocado and crema.
Made with Chipotle tinga sauce. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time25 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.60 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 deep, wide pan over a medium heat. Add the fideo (break the nests into short lengths) and fry for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until deep golden brown. Watch closely, it burns fast.
4 min 30 s - 2
Stir in your ready made chipotle tinga sauce (see the base recipe). It will spit, so stand back. Cook for 1 minute.
- 3
Pour in the hot stock, stir once and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook gently for 6 to 8 minutes.
7 min - 4
Uncover and cook for 2 more minutes until the pasta is tender and has absorbed nearly all the liquid, so it looks moist but not soupy.
2 min - 5
Rest for 2 minutes off the heat. It will thicken slightly.
- 6
Top with avocado, soured cream and coriander and serve hot.
Tips
- Toast the pasta to a rich golden brown. Pale fideo tastes floury and the dish loses its nutty flavour.
- Break up nests of vermicelli into 3 cm lengths before frying so the strands cook evenly.
- Add the stock a little at a time if the pasta soaks it up quickly. It should finish moist.
Storing and freezing
Cool quickly and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water until steaming hot all the way through. Pasta dishes do not freeze well.
Questions
What is fideo?
Fideo is a very thin Mexican and Spanish pasta, cut into short lengths. Toasting it in oil before cooking is the key step. Vermicelli nests broken up are a good UK replacement.
Can I make it gluten free?
Yes, use a gluten free vermicelli or rice vermicelli, but reduce the cooking time as it softens faster. Check the stock and chipotle labels.
Is it vegan?
The pasta, sauce and stock are vegan, so leave out the soured cream, or use a dairy free alternative, for a fully vegan dish.
More made with chipotle tinga sauce
Nachos de Tinga con Queso (Loaded Chipotle Black Bean Nachos)
VEFNFAlbondigas al Chipotle (Mexican Meatballs in Chipotle Sauce)
GFNFTinga de Yaca Rice Bowls (Jackfruit Tinga with Black Beans)
GFDFEFTostadas de Tinga de Setas (Mushroom Tinga Tostadas)
VEFNFDouble 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.