Sopa de Fideo

Dig into the rich and comforting flavors of sopa de fideo, featuring roasted tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and toasted noodles. This dish is quick and easy to make, requires only 6 ingredients, and is ultra-satisfying. Serve it warm with garnishes like lime juice, avocado, and cilantro for a well-balanced meal.

Sopa de Fideo.
Enjoy a flavorful bite of sopa de fideo!

❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Simple to make: With everyday pantry staples and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a bowl of sopa de fideo in no time.
  • Depth of flavor: Roasting tomatoes add a depth of flavor that’s unparalleled, giving the fideo soup a rich base.
  • Perfect for all occasions: Whether it’s a weekday lunch, dinner with close friends, or a sick day meal, this sopa de fideo recipe always hits the spot.
  • Nutritious & filling: This fideo soup is packed with fresh ingredients, providing a whole host of essential vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy.

If you love this sopa de fideo recipe, you should really check out our sopa de conchas, sopa de coditos, sopa de frijoles, and vegan tortilla soup.

🍲What is sopa de fideo?

Sopa de fideo, meaning noodle soup, holds a very special place in the hearts of children and adults around the globe. In Mexico, it’s prepared in a unique and delicious way that we can’t wait to share with you!

Short, thin noodles are first toasted in oil, then they’re cooked in a tomato-based sauce rather than boiled separately in water. This way, they have the chance to soak up the flavors incredibly well.

Plus, the tomatoes are roasted to add incredible depth. Each spoonful is bursting with slightly smoky, tangy, and toasty notes. It’s great for busy weeknight dinners or as a quick lunch with sandwiches.

Sopa de fideo in a bowl with a spoon.
Enjoy sopa de fideo for a quick and easy lunch!

📜 History

Sopa de fideo is said to have originated in Spain. It was then introduced to the regions of the Spanish conquest, like the Philippines and Central and South America.

From there, sopa de fideo transformed and took on special characteristics of each specific location. In Mexico, this soup is filled with a tomato and stock mix, and (occasionally) spices like cilantro, parsley, or cumin.

🌱 Is sopa de fideo vegan?

Typically, sopa de fideo recipes are made with chicken broth, but it’s incredibly easy to make a vegan version. Just replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for an equally flavorful dish that is completely plant-based.

Additionally, while queso fresco is a traditional garnish, it’s also not vegan-friendly. You can easily substitute queso fresco with dairy-free cheese or omit it altogether.

Ingredients for sopa de fideo on a plate.
Use fresh tomatoes for the best results

🛒 Ingredients & substitutions

  • Tomatoes: Once roasted, Roma tomatoes impart a rich, tangy flavor. If you don’t have Romas available, you can try other tomato varieties with varied results.
  • Garlic: Adds a savory depth and aroma. If fresh garlic cloves aren’t available, garlic powder can work as a substitute in a pinch.
  • White onion: Provides a sweet, savory, and robust flavor. Yellow onions also work equally as well as white onions. For a milder option, try shallots.
  • Vegetable broth: Makes up the base of the fideo soup. Homemade or store-bought veggie broth both work. You can also try Better Than Bouillon No Chicken Base to emulate non-vegan versions.
  • Neutral vegetable oil: To sauté the pasta and add a rich flavor. We typically just use avocado oil, but you can replace it with olive oil, sunflower oil, or vegan butter.
  • Fideo: This type of thin noodle is typically made from durum wheat and cut short before packaging. If you can’t find fideo, try vermicelli or broken spaghetti.
  • Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the other flavors of the soup. Adjust both according to your preference.

For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.

📝 How to make sopa de fideo

Step 1: Roast the tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 450F and get those Roma tomatoes roasted! This step enhances the flavors, giving your fideo soup an extra layer of flavor. Remember to flip them for even roasting.

Step 2: Blend the base

Once roasted, blend the tomatoes with onions and garlic. This step infuses the flavors seamlessly, creating a smooth base for your soup.

Tomatoes, Onions, and Garlic in a Blender.
Blend up those veggies!

Step 3: Toast the noodles

In a pot, heat the vegetable oil and give the noodles a toast for a few minutes until they’re golden brown. This not only adds flavor but also helps prevent the noodles from turning too soggy.

Toasted Fideo in a Pot.
Be careful not to burn the noodles!

Step 4: Pour & simmer

Strain the tomato mixture into the noodles along with vegetable broth. Gently simmer the fideo soup until the pasta becomes al dente. We recommend tasting and seasoning the soup with salt and pepper as you go. Happy eating!

If you have questions about this sopa de fideo recipe, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!

🥑 Garnishes for sopa de fideo

Take your bowl of sopa de fideo to the next level with flavorful toppings like these:

🌡️ Storage & reheating

This sopa de fideo recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but here’s what to do if you have leftovers:

  • Fridge: Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. 
  • Freezer: Sopa de fideo holds well in the freezer for up to a month. We recommend storing it in single-serve containers that are freezer-safe. That way, the thawing and reheating process is easier for you. 
  • Reheating: Heat this soup on your stovetop over low-medium for 2-3 minutes until warm. You can also heat it in the microwave in 30-45 second bursts. If it’s frozen, thaw your fideo soup in the fridge overnight before heating.
Vegan Sopa de Fideo.
Enjoy this soup with any garnish of your choosing

♻️ Variations

  • Protein boost: Add cooked black beans or chickpeas to bulk your sopa de fideo up.
  • Spicy: Mix in some jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick.
  • Creamy: Add a dollop of dairy-free sour cream or vegan Mexican crema.
  • Herbs: Mix in cilantro, basil, parsley, or rosemary for a fresh touch.
  • Cheesy: Melt in some vegan cheddar or mozzarella.
  • Grains: Mix in quinoa or rice for added texture.
  • Veggies: To add a little more oomph, mix in chopped bell peppers, squash, carrots, or zucchini before simmering the soup.

🧑‍🍳 Top tips

  • Use fresh tomatoes: It requires a little extra effort to roast the tomatoes, but canned tomatoes just don’t compare.
  • Toast the noodles: Don’t miss this step! It’s what gives sopa de fideo its characteristic flavor.
  • Stir the noodles: When toasting noodles, stir them constantly to avoid burning.
  • Strain the sauce: For the smoothest broth, strain the tomato mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into the pot.
  • Adjust the broth: If you prefer a more liquid soup, add more broth, and vice versa.
  • Simmer over consistent heat: Maintain a steady simmer for even cooking.

💬 FAQ

Why do I need to roast the tomatoes?

Roasting enhances the tomato flavor, adding depth to the soup. If you don’t have time to roast the tomatoes, use canned fire-roasted tomatoes instead.

How do I ensure the noodles don’t turn mushy?

Toasting them first and simmering the soup on low ensures the noodles retain a good texture.

Why is my soup too thick?

The longer the soup sits, the thicker it gets since the noodles absorb broth as they cook. If you like yours more on the soupy side, add more broth to suit your preferences.

Is sopa de fideo gluten-free?

Since fideo is made with wheat, this dish is not gluten-free.

🍴 More soup recipes

If you enjoyed this sopa de fideo recipe, try out our other popular vegan soup recipes: 

  • Fava Bean Soup: A high-protein soup with creamy fava beans, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices.
  • Lentil Soup: Made from fresh, simple, and inexpensive ingredients.
  • Black Bean Soup: Bold flavors in a recipe that’s high in protein and fiber.
  • Chickpea Soup: Showcasing rich, vibrant, and comforting Mediterranean flavors.
Sopa de fideo on a spoon.

Best Sopa de Fideo Recipe

Justine Drosdovech
Dig into the rich and comforting flavors of sopa de fideo, featuring roasted tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and toasted noodles. This dish is quick and easy to make, requires only 6 ingredients, and is ultra-satisfying.
5 from 118 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Lunch, Mains
Cuisine Mexican, Vegan
Servings 4 servings
Calories 271 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Large stockpot
  • Mesh Strainer

Ingredients
 

  • 5 Roma tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • ½ medium white onion, chopped
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 ½ tablespoons neutral vegetable oil
  • 7 ounces "fideo" pasta
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Garnishes optional

  • Lime wedges
  • Avocado
  • Queso fresco
  • Cilantro or parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spread the tomatoes out evenly on the foil and roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. If your tomatoes are large, you can cut them in half lengthwise to reduce the time.
  • Add the roasted tomatoes, chopped onions, and garlic cloves to a blender and mix on high until smooth. Prepare 6 cups of vegetable broth (we use bouillon cubes, but pre-mixed stock also works). Set both aside.
  • Heat the oil over medium in a large stockpot. Add the dry noodles in and toast them while stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.
  • Pour the tomato mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to simmer for 10 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente.
  • Season the sopa de fideo with salt and pepper to taste, then serve it immediately with garnishes of your choice. Happy eating!

Video

YouTube video

Notes

  • Use fresh tomatoes: It requires a little extra effort to roast the tomatoes, but canned tomatoes just don’t compare.
  • Toast the noodles: Don’t miss this step! It’s what gives sopa de fideo its characteristic flavor.
  • Stir the noodles: When toasting noodles, stir them constantly to avoid burning.
  • Strain the sauce: For the smoothest broth, strain the tomato mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into the pot.
  • Adjust the broth: If you prefer a more liquid soup, add more broth, and vice versa.
  • Simmer over consistent heat: Maintain a steady simmer for even cooking.
  • Nutritional information is a rough estimate and should not be taken as health advice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 46.9g | Protein: 7.5g | Fat: 6.2g | Saturated Fat: 4.4g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 1417.8mg | Potassium: 324.3mg | Fiber: 2.8g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1396.9IU | Vitamin C: 12.3mg | Calcium: 25.5mg | Iron: 0.9mg
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Note: We’ve updated this post to include new information and helpful tips about the recipe.

Justine Drosdovech is a food writer, photographer, and one of the founders of Broke Bank Vegan. She is a self-taught plant-based chef but uses her healthcare background to craft dishes that are both delicious and nourishing.

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Recipe Rating




4 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Sounds great! Never occurred to me that you could fry noodles. Making this next week. 5 🌟 in advance. My wife will complain that it’s just noodles, but it’s not. Thanks for last week’s quick pickling idea. Started w/red onions, then tried sugar snap peas. Sooooo good. Made 8 packed pints, great snack and no one will try them. More for me.

    1. Broke Bank Vegan says:

      Hi Clifford,

      Yes, it adds a really nice toasted flavor. The pickled snap peas sound incredible! We hope you enjoy the soup!

  2. 5 stars
    Que deliciosa es esa sopa!

    1. Broke Bank Vegan says:

      Gracias Vicky! Es nuestro favorito.