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

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.

What is the history of Mexican fideo? ›

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 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.

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 is the difference between Italian and Mexican pasta? ›

Italian pasta is made from durum wheat flour and water, while Mexican pasta can be made from a variety of ingredients, such as wheat flour and corn flour. While both are delicious, Italian and Mexican pasta have distinct differences in their origin, preparation, and ingredients.

What is fideo in English? ›

Simply put, fideos means “noodles” in Spanish.

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.

Who made the first Mexican food? ›

The history of Mexican food can be traced back over two thousand years, where it finds its roots in Mesoamerican cuisine. Both the Mayans and Aztecs had strong influences on the methods of cooking and the dishes that are still seen throughout Mexico.

What is sopa de fideo made of? ›

My best friend Matt has been BEGGING me to put a Fideo recipe up on WGC for ages and this is our year! 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.

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.

How do you make pasta more moist? ›

Some cooks recommend soaking the pasta in water after it has been toasted so that it absorbs some moisture before boiling. This involves putting the cooled, toasted pasta into a large zip-top bag, filling it with water, pressing out any air, and letting it sit for 2 to 3 hours in the fridge before boiling.

How long can fideo be left out? ›

The best plan is to put leftovers in the refrigerator right after your meal. Food that is sitting out for a party or picnic should be chilled after two hours at typical room temperature. If it's above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) or more, food should not sit out for more than one hour.

How to stop pasta from going soggy? ›

If it's pasta with sauce you need to store, put the pasta in one container and the sauce in another. This will prevent the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and becoming soggy. Putting wax paper between layers of cooked pasta is a great way to prevent it from sticking together while in the container.

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.

Where does fideo loco come from? ›

Fideo Loco, which translates to “crazy noodle,” is a traditional Mexican dish that features a savory combination of noodles, broth, and an array of delicious toppings. This dish is known for its bold flavors and comforting qualities, making it a beloved choice for many.

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".

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