Mexican Fideo Soup (Sopa Aguada)

This Mexican Fideo Soup Recipe (Sopa Aguada) is made with fideo pasta, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, corn, broth and simmered into perfection.

Mexican Fideo Soup is known for its simple and quick preparation, making it a popular choice for busy households. It is typically cooked by sautéing the noodles in oil until they are lightly browned, then adding the vegetables, tomato sauce, and broth, and simmering until the flavors meld together and the noodles are tender. The result is a hearty and satisfying soup with a slightly tangy, tomato-based broth and tender noodles, packed with delicious Mexican flavors.

American eat chicken noodle soup when they are sick and Mexicans eat Sopa de Fideo. This dish brings so much comfort to me and reminds me of relaxing days at home. This soup isn’t just good for sick days, but really any day. It is made with a tomato-based broth that is so full of flavor and perfect for the whole family.

If you like this recipe, feel free to try my Sopa de Estrellas or Tortilla Soup.

Jump to:

• What is Mexican Fideo Soup?
• Why you will love this recipe
• Mexican Fideo Soup Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Mexican Fideo Soup
• What to serve with Mexican Fideo Soup
• Substitutions
• Mexican Fideo Soup Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Mexican Fideo Soup
• Mexican Fideo Soup Recipe Top tips
• Mexican Fideo Soup Recipe
• Food safety

What is Mexican Fideo Soup?

Mexican Fideo Soup, also known as Sopa de Fideo, is a traditional Mexican soup made with thin noodles, usually vermicelli, cooked in a tomato-based broth along with vegetables and spices. It is a popular comfort food in Mexican cuisine and is often served as a starter or a light meal.

The basic ingredients for Mexican Fideo Soup typically include vermicelli noodles, tomato sauce or tomato puree, broth (such as chicken or vegetable broth), onions, garlic, and a variety of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and peas. The soup is usually seasoned with Mexican spices such as cumin, chili powder, and oregano to give it a flavorful and slightly spicy profile. It is often garnished with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and avocado for added freshness and flavor.

Why you will love this recipe

Full of flavor: The tomato base with the bouillon will give the soup such a delicious flavor.

Kid Friendly: I grew up eating this soup on sick days, and basically any day. I absolutely loved it and I think your kids will too.

Great for cold weather: I loved eating this soup on a cold winter day.

Serves a crowd: It is very easy to double this recipe and save it in your fridge to have throughout the week.

Mexican Fideo Soup Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Olive oil
• Fideo or angel hair
• Diced Tomatoes
• Red Onion
• Garlic
• Chili powder
• Corn
• Broth
• Salt

See recipe card for Mexican Fideo Soup Recipe quantities.

How to make Mexican Fideo Soup

Hint: Make sure to cook the fideos dry until brown, to prevent them from being too mushy.

What to serve with Mexican Fideo Soup

• Fresh Tortillas: Warm, soft tortillas, such as corn or flour tortillas, are a classic choice to serve with Mexican Fideo Soup. You can make them at home or purchase them from a store. Serve them on the side or use them to dip into the soup for an authentic Mexican experience.
• Avocado: Fresh avocado slices or chunks can add creaminess and richness to the Fideo Soup. Avocado is a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine and complements the flavors of the soup well. You can serve avocado on the side as a garnish or simply stir it into the soup before serving.
• Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas are a delicious addition to Mexican Fideo Soup. You can make them with corn or flour tortillas filled with cheese, cooked until melted and crispy. Cut them into wedges and serve them alongside the soup for a satisfying and comforting meal. Check out my Quesadillas with Flor de Calabaza.
• Mexican-style Salad: A refreshing Mexican-style salad like my Avocado Tomato Salad can balance out the richness of Fideo Soup. A simple salad with ingredients like mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a tangy dressing can provide a fresh and crunchy contrast to the warm soup.

Substitutions

• Tomatoes: I like using tomatoes from the can because it comes already prepared and with the juices. You should opt for the fire roasted tomatoes or the diced tomatoes with green chilies.
• Onion: This dish traditionally uses red onion, but you can use white or yellow.
• Broth: If you are vegan or vegetarian, skip the bouillon cube and use vegetable broth. If you would like chicken broth, that works too!
• Corn: I used fresh corn but you can use corn from a can.

Mexican Fideo Soup Recipe Variations

• Meaty Fideo Soup: To add protein and richness to the soup, you can include cooked meat such as diced chicken, ground beef, or chorizo. Brown the meat with onions and garlic before adding the noodles, tomato sauce, and broth. This will create a heartier version of Fideo Soup with added meaty flavors.
• Spicy Fideo Soup: If you like heat, you can add more spices or chili peppers to your Fideo Soup. For example, you can use hot chili powder, chipotle powder, or add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the soup while sautéing the vegetables. Adjust the amount of spice to your liking to create a spicier version of Fideo Soup.
• Creamy Fideo Soup: For a creamy twist, you can stir in some cream or coconut milk into the soup towards the end of cooking. This will create a richer and creamier broth that adds a luscious texture to the soup. You can also top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or crema for added creaminess.
• Roasted Fideo Soup: For a deeper flavor profile, you can roast the noodles, vegetables, and tomato sauce in the oven before adding them to the broth. Toss the noodles and vegetables in oil and roast them in the oven until they are slightly caramelized before proceeding with the soup-making process. This will add a deliciously smoky and roasted taste to your Fideo Soup. Check out my Mexican Noodle Casserole.

Equipment

• Soup Pot: You'll need a large pot or Dutch oven to cook the soup. A pot with a capacity of at least 4-6 quarts will be sufficient to hold the soup ingredients and allow for stirring and simmering.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A wooden spoon or spatula will be handy for stirring and sautéing the ingredients in the pot.
• Chef's Knife: You'll need a sharp knife for chopping the vegetables, garlic, and other ingredients.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board will be useful for chopping and preparing the vegetables and other ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: You'll need measuring cups and spoons to measure the liquids, noodles, and spices accurately.
• Can Opener: If you're using canned ingredients, such as tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, you'll need a can opener to open the cans.
• Ladle: A ladle will make it easier to serve the hot soup into bowls.
• Blender or Immersion Blender - If you want to blend some or all of the soup to create a smoother consistency, you may need a blender or immersion blender.

How to store Mexican Fideo Soup

1. Cool the Soup: Allow the Fideo Soup to cool to room temperature before storing it. Avoid storing hot soup in the refrigerator as it can raise the temperature inside and affect the overall food safety.
2. Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the cooled soup to airtight containers or storage containers with tight-fitting lids. Glass or plastic containers are suitable for storing soup. Alternatively, you can also use resealable plastic freezer bags, but make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
3. Label and Date: Label the containers or bags with the contents and date, so you can easily identify them in the future and keep track of their freshness.
4. Store in the Refrigerator: Place the containers or bags of Fideo Soup in the refrigerator and store them for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the refrigerator is set to below 40°F (4°C) to keep the soup safe to eat.
5. Store in the Freezer (Optional): If you want to store Fideo Soup for a longer period, you can freeze it. Allow the soup to cool completely in the refrigerator before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months for best quality. Note that the texture of the noodles may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
6. Reheat Properly: When reheating the stored Fideo Soup, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) to ensure it's safe to eat. You can reheat it on the stovetop in a pot, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Mexican Fideo Soup Recipe Top tips

• Toast the noodles: Toasting the noodles before cooking them in the soup adds a depth of flavor and enhances their texture. Heat the noodles in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn slightly golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
• Use homemade stock or broth: Using homemade chicken or vegetable stock or broth can greatly enhance the flavor of the soup. If you don't have homemade stock, choose a good-quality store-bought option for the best taste.
• Customize the spices: Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors, so feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. You can increase or decrease the amount of chili powder, cumin, and other spices to suit your taste buds.
• Don't overcook the noodles: Fideo noodles are thin and delicate, so be careful not to overcook them. Follow the recommended cooking time on the package and avoid overcooking, as they can turn mushy.
• Add fresh herbs and garnish: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley during the last few minutes of cooking can add a burst of freshness and aroma to the soup. You can also garnish the soup with avocado slices, lime wedges, or shredded cheese for added flavor and presentation.
• Allow the flavors to meld: Like many soups, Mexican Fideo Soup often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Consider making it in advance and allowing it to sit in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving for even more deliciousness.
• Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth or stock, or add less liquid initially. Conversely, if you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more broth or stock to achieve the desired consistency.
• Serve with traditional accompaniments: Mexican Fideo Soup is often served with traditional accompaniments such as tortilla chips, lime wedges, and hot sauce on the side. These additions can enhance the flavors and allow each person to customize their bowl of soup to their liking.
• Make it vegetarian or vegan: Mexican Fideo Soup can easily be made vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable stock or broth and omitting any meat-based ingredients. You can also add additional vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for more plant-based goodness.
• Experiment with variations: While the classic Fideo Soup recipe includes tomatoes, onions, and garlic, you can also experiment with variations by adding other ingredients such as diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, or corn for added flavor and variety.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.