Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Toasted Vermicelli Soup)
Fine noodles toasted until nutty then simmered in smoky tomato and chilli broth, a comforting everyday soup.
Made with Tortilla soup base. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time25 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £3.34 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 pan over a medium heat. Fry the fideo, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes, until deep golden brown. Do not let it burn.
4 min - 2
Carefully pour in your ready made tortilla soup base (see the base recipe), standing back as it will spit.
- 3
Bring to a simmer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
7 min - 4
Season with salt and a squeeze of lime.
- 5
Serve in bowls with avocado, coriander and lime wedges.
Tips
- Toast the fideo until it is the colour of peanut butter for the best flavour.
- Add shredded chicken or a handful of peas to make it a fuller meal.
- Serve straight away, as the noodles keep absorbing the broth.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten fresh. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 2 days, but the noodles will soak up the broth, so add a splash of water when reheating until steaming hot.
Questions
What is fideo?
Fideo is a thin Mexican vermicelli noodle that is toasted before simmering. You can use broken vermicelli nests if you cannot find it.
Is sopa de fideo gluten free?
No, the noodles contain wheat. Use gluten free thin noodles if you need a gluten free version.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add a chopped chipotle or a pinch of chilli flakes while it simmers.
More made with tortilla soup base
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.