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!

4.48 from 42 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

Is fideo Italian or Mexican? ›

Fideo is a delicious family favorite and one that emphasizes our native tomato. I first wrote about this some years ago, but decided to post this recipe again because I suddenly realized that our “Fideo” probably predates the Italian dish, spaghetti with tomato sauce.

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.

Why does my fideo come out soggy? ›

The fideo will become mushy if overcooked. For Mexican sopa de fideo with a wonderful texture, remove the soup from the heat when the noodles have reached your desired tenderness and serve immediately. If making this recipe ahead, cook until the noodles are al dente with just a little firmness left.

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!

What's the difference between Italian pasta and Mexican pasta? ›

Italian pasta is a staple food boiled in salted water and tossed with a variety of sauces made from ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Mexican pasta is often sautéed with onions, garlic, and chili peppers before being combined with tomato sauce and spices, giving it a spicy flavor.

What is the origin of Mexican pasta? ›

Some historians believe that noodles were brought to both Italy and Spain by Arab nomads. Likely introduced to Spain between the eighth and ninth centuries, these noodles are said to have become known as the fine, thin fideos known today, which were then eventually taken to Mexico during Spanish colonization.

Why is fideo so good? ›

Sopa de fideo is a quick and comforting Mexican staple that is particularly good on a chilly weeknight. The acidity from tomatoes, the bold garlic flavor and the luscious strands of fideo, a thin noodle similar to angel hair that's typically included in Mexican soups, make for a hearty dish.

What's fideo in English? ›

Simply put, fideos means “noodles” in Spanish.

What is Sopa Azteca made of? ›

Though it's exact origins are clouded in mystery, the ingredients used in Sopa Azteca are quite common in pre-Hispanic and modern day Mexican cuisine. This soup consists of dried chilies, tomatoes, beans and chicken. This is the ideal soup to make as the weather turns from hot and sunny to cold and damp.

Why is my fideo gummy? ›

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.

What is the difference between fideo and vermicelli? ›

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 fideos from getting mushy? ›

Why did my fideo come out mushy? Mushy pasta means your soup was simmered too long. For best results, remove the pasta from the heat after simmering for about 10 minutes, or when the pasta is tender.

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 is Mexico's signature food? ›

Mole: Mole is widely considered one of Mexico's most iconic dishes, ranging in color from rich brown and fiery red to verdant green, yellow and black — just to name a few. The word mole comes from the Aztec word molli, which means "sauce."

What makes Mexican authentic? ›

Authentic Mexican food will never shy away from using bold, fresh spices to elevate even the simplest of ingredients. Some of the most used spices include allium bulbs like garlic and onion, herbs like oregano, cumin, and an astounding variety of chiles.

Is pizza Mexican or Italian? ›

Modern pizza evolved from similar flatbread dishes in Naples, Italy, between the 16th and mid-18th century. The word pizza was first documented in AD 997 in Gaeta and successively in different parts of Central and Southern Italy. Pizza was mainly eaten in Italy and by emigrants from there.

Is spaghetti noodles Italian or Spanish? ›

Although spaghetti might originate from the Arabic World. It is where the Italians who started producing the product on a larger scale. By the twelfth century, pasta produced in Sicily and Sardinia was being exported to the mainland Italian territory and Northern Europe.

Are vermicelli and fideo the same? ›

The fideo is a type of noodle, produced in Europe since medieval times, best known as fideus or fidelis, which spread to Mexican and Latin American cuisine, and is often referred to by speakers of English as "vermicelli".

Is pasta eaten in Mexico? ›

We cook fideos not as the Italians do, but like the Spanish, who brought them to Mexico, first frying them in oil until they are toasty and nutty-tasting, then simmering them in a tomato-based sauce or broth until the sauce thickens considerably and coats the noodles.

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