Authentic Fideo Mexican Pasta Recipe (2024)

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I’m about to share grandma’s old authentic Fideo Mexican Pasta recipe with you! You are in for a treat! This recipe is amazing. Every time I make it, I have people tell me they have never tasted this flavor anywhere and it should be in a restaurant. I laugh because it noodles only cost between 25¢ and 33¢ a bag. It’s one of the most frugal recipes I know and love.

Fideo is pronounced fi-de-0. It’s a Spanish word for noodles. Head over to this Spanish translation page and click on the audio symbol next to the word Fideo to hear it for yourself.

You can make Fideo as your whole meal or you can make it as a side dish. We love adding seasoned ground beef or left over chicken to this recipe for some one pot meal ideas.

Fideo Mexican Pasta Tips and Techniques

There are a few secrets to this dish. First, always use fresh ingredients. Use fresh tomatoes, fresh onions and fresh garlic. It won’t taste the same if you use the canned stuff. Fresh is always better in my opinion. Next, the technique that makes this recipe special is the fact that you actually fry the raw noodles before you add the water. You will fry the noodles (Fideo) in a little bit of oil that covers all the noodles evenly. You have to be careful though because they can change colors to being done to almost burnt in just a minute or two. It can be tricky. Don’t let it sit there on the stove. You will have to constantly stir it. I promise it’s worth it though. The last trick to this recipe is the seasoning I use. I use the Knorr’s Caldo de Tomate or the Knorr Caldo de Pollo. This is the tomato bouillon or chicken bouillon seasonings. You can use any seasonings you want but I swear, these are the best.
Authentic Fideo Mexican Pasta Recipe (1)

Authentic Fideo Mexican Pasta Recipe and ingredients:

Authentic Fideo Mexican Pasta Recipe (2)

Authentic Fideo Mexican Pasta Recipe

Easy Mexican pasta recipe that is made with an age old technique!

4.49 from 41 votes

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Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Authentic Fideo Mexican Pasta Recipe

Servings 6 to 8

Ingredients

  • 4 Tablespoons of Olive Oil or more if needed Enough to fully coat the noodles (I always find a great deal on Amazon)
  • 2 small bags of Vermicelli Fideo noodles (there are two kinds: Large or Small Noodles. I prefer the small noodles.
  • 3 to matoes - diced or 1 large can of diced tomatoes drained I find the fresh ingredients always tastes better
  • 1 small onion or more if you like onion
  • 1 small garlic clove minced
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons of seasoning season to taste (I prefer to use Knorr’s Caldo de Tomate which is Tomato bouillon with chicken flavor. I think this is the secret ingredient that makes the noodles taste the best! I’ve also used the Knorr Caldo de Pollo too!)
  • 2 to 4 cups of water
  • 2 cups Chicken or hamburger meat already fully cooked optional – I only add meat when I have leftovers

Instructions

  • In a large frying pan on medium heat, add 4 tablespoons of Olive Oil and the Vermicella (Fideo) noodles. Make sure you have enough oil to cover all the noodles.

  • Once you’ve mixed the noodles in the oil, add the onion.

  • Fry the noodles (without water) until the noodles turn a golden brown as you continue to stir them. Be careful not to let them sit there because they will burn easily.

  • Keep your water close by because when you see the noodles hit the golden brown stage you will immediately add the water to stop the noodles from frying. You may need to continue to add water as it cooks. The amount of water you add will depend on the consistency you are going for. If you like your Fideo more Soup like, then add more water.

  • After adding the water, add the tomatoes and garlic (and Chicken or other meat your prefer)

  • Let simmer until all the water is almost fully evaporated. Taste the noodles and if they still have a small crunch to them, add another cup of water. Repeat this process until the noodles are soft.

  • Voila! You’re done! Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy.

Tried this recipe? Mention @ISaveA2Z or tag #KetoFriendlyRecipes!

Authentic Fideo Mexican Pasta Recipe (3)

Authentic Fideo Mexican Pasta Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why does my fideo come out soggy? ›

In general, fideo is cooked to a point a little past the al dente stage, but it can become overly mushy if left on the heat for too long.

Where did Mexican fideo come from? ›

The history of fideo seco in Mexico dates back to the dawn of the conquest and the fusion of indigenous cultures with the culinary traditions brought by European colonizers. It is believed that its introduction is linked to the Spanish fideuá, which landed in Mexico through colonial influence.

What is a Mexican sopa made of? ›

Sopa de fideo is a traditional Mexican soup made with toasted thin noodles in a flavorful tomato broth. This comforting classic is a Mexican staple!

Is angel hair pasta the same as fideo? ›

Fideo, one of the most fragile types of pastas, are short and very thin. It is usually added to soups. Angel Hair Pasta resembles thinner strands of spaghetti. Due to the thinness of this pasta, extra meaty sauces can easily be overpowering.

Should I cook pasta before adding to soup? ›

To ensure you get it just right, make sure the soup is nearly cooked before adding the pasta. Smaller pasta shapes soak up broth readily so ensure you serve the soup as soon as it's cooked. Alternatively, you could cook the pasta separately and add to the soup at the last moment.

How to keep fideos watery? ›

Toasting the noodles for long enough is the key to making soupy fideo that doesn't thicken as it sits.

What does Sopa de Fideo mean in English? ›

Sopa de fideo (Spanish for "noodle soup"), also referred to as sopita de fideo, is a stock-based noodle soup that is a part of the cuisines of Spain, Mexico, and Cavite, a province in the Philippines.

What is fideo in English? ›

Simply put, fideos means “noodles” in Spanish. But the word actually refers to a particular kind of noodle—short and golden, with vermicelli-like thinness—as well as to specific dishes.

Why is fideo so good? ›

Sopa de fideo is likely the most popular one, and for good reason — it's easy, filling, cozy and cooks even faster than a pot of Spanish rice.

What is Mexico's signature food? ›

Chile en nogada, maize, tamales, pozole, mezcal, pan de muerto, cóctel de camarón Mole sauce, which has dozens of varieties across the Republic, is seen as a symbol of Mexicanidad and is considered Mexico's national dish.

What are the 4 ingredients that feature in many Mexican dishes? ›

The most popular Mexican ingredients are beans, rice, avocado and limes. They're utilized in nearly every dish, from hearty enchilada casseroles to creamy drinks like horchata.

What makes Mexican authentic? ›

Here are a few key signature aspects of traditional Mexican cuisine to help you distinguish authentic Mexican from Tex-Mex dishes: fresh and healthy ingredients such as tomatoes, chiles, not jars of store-bought salsa for example. traditional spices (such as coriander and epazote) instead of cumin or dry oregano.

What is sopa de fideo made of? ›

Sopa de Fideo is super quick and delicious and one of Mexico's most classic soup recipes! It's made with tomatoes, noodles, garlic, and broth and then you can add extra toppings as your heart desires.

What is fideo pasta made of? ›

Fideo is made with Vermicelli pasta which can be found just about anywhere. I have seen it at my local grocery stores, Walmart, and Target. You can also order it online off Amazon or here. As I mentioned above, broken up angel hair pasta or even spaghetti works great too.

What is the difference between vermicelli and fideo pasta? ›

Mexican fideos (which is just Spanish for “noodles”) are super similar to Italian vermicelli in shape and ingredients (wheat and water), but they are cut shorter before being packaged and are often toasted in oil for a richer flavor, rather than being boiled.

How do you keep pasta from getting soggy after cooking? ›

The best way to avoid soggy pasta when reheating it is to add a little bit of oil or butter to the pasta when reheating. This will help to keep the pasta from sticking together and give it a nice texture. You can also reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

How do you fix mushy vermicelli? ›

Instead of chucking your mushy pasta into the nearest bin, simply adjust your stove's flame to medium and warm up a sauté pan. Lightly coat the pan with your choice of cooking oil or butter, then slide the soggy noodles into the pan and lightly stir until the pasta is browned in places.

How to prevent rice from getting mushy in soup? ›

No matter what the recipe says do it like that. And this applies to any type of rice; heat the base of the soup independent of the rice and add the rice by spoonfuls to each bowl as it is being served.

Why did my noodles turn to mush in the crockpot? ›

One of the most common reasons for mushy noodles is overcooking. Pasta, including noodles, has a relatively short cooking time compared to other ingredients typically prepared in a crockpot.

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