If you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup that bursts with authentic Mexican flavors, look no further than this Fideo Mexican Noodle Soup Recipe. This heartwarming dish features perfectly toasted fideo noodles simmered in a vibrant tomato and cumin-infused broth, all topped off with fresh cilantro and zesty lime. It’s a simple yet soul-satisfying soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and can easily become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Fideo Mexican Noodle Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity, using a handful of essential ingredients that each bring something special to the table—be it flavor, texture, or color. These pantry staples come together harmoniously to create an irresistible bowl of goodness.
- Vegetable oil: For toasting the noodles to a golden perfection, adding a nutty depth.
- Fideo pasta (or vermicelli noodles): Thin noodles that absorb the broth beautifully, providing wonderful texture.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and fragrance to the soup base.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a rich, aromatic layer of flavor.
- Medium tomato, chopped: Brings freshness and a lovely natural acidity to the broth.
- Chicken broth: The warm, savory backbone that ties the soup together.
- Ground cumin: Introduces a subtle earthy spice that makes this dish authentically Mexican.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: Adds a burst of herbal brightness just before serving.
- Lime wedges for serving: Offer a refreshing, tangy finish.
- Optional toppings: Avocado slices, diced jalapeños, and crumbled queso fresco for extra flavor and texture.
How to Make 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 pasta and stir it constantly. Watch as the noodles quickly transform into a warm, golden brown. Toasting the noodles is a crucial step, as it gives your soup that signature nuttiness and prevents them from getting mushy later on.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these together for about two minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its wonderful aroma. These ingredients build the flavor foundation for the soup, making it rich without needing complex steps.
Step 3: Cook the Tomato
Add the chopped tomato into the pot and continue cooking for another two minutes. As the tomato softens and starts breaking down, it lends a lovely freshness and slight tang to the broth, balancing out the warm cumin and toasted noodles perfectly.
Step 4: Add Broth and Cumin
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the ground cumin. Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious components. The broth acts as the canvas, soaking up all the intensified flavors from the toasty noodles and aromatics.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Turn up the heat until the soup reaches a boil, then reduce to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. This gives the noodles time to absorb the broth and soften just right, creating that perfect balance between tender and tender-crisp.
Step 6: Season and Finish
Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper according to your taste. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly chopped cilantro. This herb adds an instant boost of color and lively flavor, tying everything together beautifully.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s still piping hot. Don’t forget to add a wedge of lime for a zesty squeeze. If you want to get creative, add toppings like creamy avocado slices, fiery diced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of crumbly queso fresco to elevate your experience.
How to Serve Fideo Mexican Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can really make this soup your own. Fresh lime wedges brighten every spoonful, while creamy avocado slices add richness that contrasts beautifully with the subtle spice of diced jalapeños. Crumbled queso fresco not only adds flavor but also a delightful creamy texture that melts slowly into the broth.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a standalone meal but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm corn tortillas or a fresh green salad. You could also serve it alongside Mexican street corn or even a plate of crispy tortilla chips to scoop up every last delicious drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in colorful, rustic bowls that complement the vibrant colors inside. You might also try layering some toppings separately so everyone can customize their bowl to their liking—this makes for a great interactive and family-friendly meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The noodles will continue to soak up the broth as they rest, so the flavors will actually deepen overnight—just be sure to add fresh lime and cilantro when reheating for that fresh finish.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for longer storage, although noodles sometimes soften more than you’d like after thawing. If freezing, consider storing the broth separately and adding freshly toasted fideo pasta when you’re ready to enjoy it again, for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling vigorously, as it can break down the noodles too much and alter the texture you love about this Fideo Mexican Noodle Soup Recipe.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth and skip any meat-based toppings. The cumin and toasted noodles still pack plenty of flavor even without the chicken base.
What can I substitute for fideo pasta?
If you can’t find fideo, vermicelli noodles work perfectly as a replacement. Just break them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly in the soup.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe itself is mild and comforting, but you can easily add heat with toppings like diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes will work just fine if you don’t have fresh ones. Just be sure to use a good-quality brand and drain them slightly to avoid watering down the broth.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Fideo Mexican Noodle Soup Recipe makes for a quick and flavorful lunch or dinner. Make a batch at the start of the week and enjoy it throughout, just remember to freshen it up with herbs and lime each time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly inviting about a bowl of warm, comforting soup that’s easy to make and bursting with authentic flavors. This Fideo Mexican Noodle Soup Recipe combines simple ingredients with a little bit of love to deliver something truly special and memorable. I really hope you give it a try and discover just how delightful and versatile this humble Mexican noodle soup can be in your own kitchen.
Print
Fideo Mexican Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Fideo Mexican Noodle Soup is a comforting and flavorful traditional Mexican dish made by toasting thin vermicelli pasta and simmering it in a savory broth with onions, garlic, and tomatoes. This easy-to-make soup is garnished with fresh cilantro, lime, and optional toppings like avocado and queso fresco for a deliciously satisfying meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 7 ounces fideo pasta (or vermicelli noodles)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving
Optional Toppings
- Avocado slices
- Diced jalapeños
- Crumbled queso fresco
Instructions
- Toast the pasta: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the fideo pasta and continuously stir until it turns a golden brown, being careful not to burn it.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the toasted pasta. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Cook the tomato: Stir in the chopped tomato and cook for another 2 minutes until the tomato begins to break down and releases its juices.
- Add broth and cumin: Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the ground cumin. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer the soup: Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Season the soup: Add salt and pepper to taste to enhance the flavors.
- Add cilantro: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve while hot. Garnish each serving with lime wedges and optional toppings such as avocado slices, diced jalapeños, or crumbled queso fresco for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the pasta when toasting; it should be golden brown to develop a nutty flavor.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeños or adding a dash of hot sauce.
- Fideo pasta can be found in Mexican grocery stores or substitute with broken vermicelli noodles.
- Fresh lime juice added just before serving brightens the soup and balances the rich flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
