Sopa de fideo / Mexican Noodle Soup is a filling and savory soup with a robust flavor that you and your family will enjoy. It cooks up in minutes, making it an easy choice for weeknight dinners or as a quick make ahead meal on a Sunday afternoon. Dunk our Mexican bolillo bread to enjoy every last drop. You will adore this as a delicious dinner or as a quick lunch on those busy week days.
Come JOIN US on our FACEBOOK group and be a part of our community and discuss various recipes, tips and tricks.
LET’S BE FRIENDS ON PINTEREST! WE’RE ALWAYS PINNING TASTY RECIPES!
Jump to:
What is Sopa de Fideo or Fideos Soup?
"Sopa" is the Spanish word for soup. "Fideo" is the Spanish word for noodle. Put ’em together and you’ve got Mexican noodle soup! Fideo soup is a Mexican noodle soup made with a tomato base broth that contains small noodles called fideo or vermicelli. It is popular in several parts of the world, including Mexico. It is a savory, somewhat smoky flavored soup that is perfect for cool fall days or on a cold winter night.
Why make Fideo soup in the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot was practically made to make soup making easier and faster. It is truly a one pot meal. You can saute onions and other veggies. Cook noodles as the soup cooks. And generally cook most soups in less than 30 minutes. Since we got our Instant Pot, we can’t imagine making soups the old fashioned way!
Ingredients needed to make Sopa De Fideos
If you are making this fideo soup at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Roma or plum tomatoes - the heart of this tasty soup
- White onion - you could use a yellow onion if that’s what you have on hand
- Garlic cloves - added flavoring
- Spices - cumin, paprika, and salt
- Oil - great for sautéing the noodles and making sure they don’t stick.
- Fideo noodles / fideo pasta (vermicelli noodles)- thick and soaks up the broth when eating.
- Vegetable stock- adds a great flavorful base.
- Lime - Just a Squeeze!
- Fresh cilantro - flavorful seasoning and garnish
How to make Sopa De Fideo in the Instant Pot
It is very easy to make Instant Pot Sopa De Fideo. Here’s how to do it.
- Place the diced tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Press sauté mode of your Instant Pot. Once it gets hot, add the oil to the inner pot. Next, add the fideo noodles / fideo pasta and stir constantly for about 3 to 5 minutes or until they turn golden or light brown in color.
- Pour tomato sauce over the noodles and stir. Let the mixture come to a slight boil. Next, add the vegetable stock, salt, cumin powder, paprika, and cilantro to noodle mixture and stir. Press cancel and place the lid on the Instant Pot.
- Set your Instant Pot to pressure cook for 4 minutes on high pressure. Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick-release of the remaining pressure.
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Squeeze lime juice into the soup and sprinkle with cilantro as desired. Serve hot .If you want to have fun with toppings, try a few chunks of avocado, or avocado slices, some crumbled queso fresco, or even a few air fryer tortilla chips
How to Make Sopa De Fideo on the Stove Top
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still make this delicious soup on the stove top. Here’s how to do it.
- Start by blending the onions, tomatoes, and garlic until it is smooth.
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat and then add the noodles. Stir the noodles constantly as you toast them for about 3 to 5 minutes or until they become golden brown in color.
- Pour in the tomato mixture and vegetable broth. Stir it all together and bring the soup up to a light boil. Partially cover and allow the soup to simmer on medium-low heat for about 30 minutes or until the noodles are soft and soup has reduced some.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro and lime juice. Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips and Tricks for Fideo Recipe
For best results, follow these tips:
- Always toast the angel hair noodles first. This gives them a delicious extra flavor.
- Use only roma or plum tomatoes for the best consistency and taste in the soup.
- Use white or yellow onions, not red or other varieties.
- Don’t be afraid to season your soup. If the flavor doesn’t pop, add a bit more salt.
- Don’t over cook the soup, it only needs 4 minutes and a 5 minute natural release in an electric pressure cooker to be cooked to perfection.
- As your noodles sit in the broth it will continue to absorb the broth and you will need to add more water / broth when warming up again
Sopa de Fideo is believed to have been influenced by Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, as noodles were introduced to Mexico during the Spanish colonial period. Over time, it evolved into a popular and widely enjoyed dish across the country, with regional variations adding their own unique twists to the recipe.
Today, Sopa de Fideo remains a cherished part of Mexican culinary heritage, often served in homes and restaurants as a comforting and flavorful soup that brings families together over a warm and delicious bowl. Its versatility and heartwarming flavors have also gained popularity beyond Mexico's borders, making it a favorite dish for many who appreciate its rich history and delightful taste.
One of the best things about soup is you can make a large pot on the weekends and serve it throughout the week either as dinner or lunch. And with the right containers, you can send them with your family to work or school as a warm lunch on a cool day.
To store, allow the soup to cool to room temperature. Ladle the soup into one large or several individual containers that have an airtight seal. Store the soup for up to about 5 to 6 days in the refrigerator.
Reheat either in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or on the stove top over medium low heat.
You can also freeze this soup if you like. To do this, allow it to cool and then ladle into freezer safe containers. Leave a little bit of space between the soup and the top of the container to allow room for it to expand when it freezes. You can freeze it for up to 6 months. When you are ready to serve, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight
As for the noodles, you can use whatever you love. We love the lightness of vermicelli noodles/ fideo pasta, but you can throw just about any small pasta into the pot. (Ditalini, Small shells, Elbow, Angel hair)
Yes, this recipe is vegan friendly. You should try our other vegan soups.
Minestrone Soup
Black Bean Soup
Split pea soup
Copycat Panera Tomato Basil Soup
It can be made gluten free if you use the Asian rice noodle variety of vermicelli it is. If you use the kind of vermicelli found in the Italian section of the grocery store than it will not be.
Other soup recipes
Soup is a great meal on a cool or cold day. If you want some great ideas of soups you can serve your family, here are some of our favorites:
We also have an entire section devoted to soup recipes that you should check out. You are sure to find something that makes your belly rumble.
More Mexican inspired recipes
- Instant pot Rice and Beans
- Copycat Chipotle Sofritas
- Chalupa
- Spanish rice
- Refried beans
- Charro beans
- Tomatillo salsa Verde
- Vegan burrito bowl
- Telera Bread
If you make this Sopa de fideo recipe, Don’t forget to come back and leave your feedback and star rating. We would be THRILLED if you would take a pic and tag us on Instagram @dbellyrulesdmind or Facebook @thebellyrulesthemind
📋Sopa De Fideo Recipe
Sopa de fideo / Mexican Noodle Soup is a filling and savory soup with a robust flavor that you and your family will enjoy. It cooks up in minutes, making it an easy choice for weeknight dinners or as a quick make ahead meal on a Sunday afternoon. You will adore this as a delicious dinner or as a quick lunch on those busy week days.
Ingredients
- 4 Roma or plum tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 white onion
- 2 large clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground Cumin
- 6 ounce fideo noodles (vermicelli noodles)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- salt to taste
- lime juice , optional for garnish
- fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
Instructions
Instant - Pot Instructions
- Add tomatoes, onion, and garlic to a blender, blend until smooth.
- Press sauté mode of your instant pot. When hot add oil in inner steel pot.
Add fideo noodles and stir constantly until golden light brown, 3 to 5 minutes. - Pour tomato - onion mixture. Stir and bring to a slight boil.
- Add in the vegetable stock, salt, cumin powder, paprika and cilantro to noodle mixture and stir. Press Cancel.
- Pressure cook for 4 minutes on high.
- Allow pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick-release remaining pressure.
- Ladle soup into bowls squeeze lime juice as desired and garnish with cilantro to serve.
- If you want to have fun with toppings, try a few chunks of avocado, some crumbled queso fresco, or even a few tortilla chips
Stove - Top Instructions
- Start by blending the onions, tomatoes, and garlic until it is smooth.
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat and then add the noodles.
- Stir the noodles constantly as you toast them for about 3 to 5 minutes or until they become golden brown in color.
- Pour in the tomato mixture and vegetable broth. Add the salt, cumin powder, paprika and cilantro and Stir it all together and bring the soup up to a light boil.
- Partially cover and allow the soup to simmer on medium-low heat for about 30 minutes or until the noodles are soft and soup has reduced some.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro and lime juice. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Always toast the noodles first. This gives them a delicious extra flavor.
- Use only roma or plum tomatoes for the best consistency and taste in the soup.
- Use white or yellow onions, not red or other varieties.
- Don’t be afraid to season your soup. If the flavor doesn’t pop, add a bit more salt.
- Don’t over cook the soup, it only needs 4 minutes and a 5 minute natural release in an electric pressure cooker to be cooked to perfection.
- As your noodles sit in the broth it will continue to absorb the broth and you will need to add more water / broth when warming up again
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
About Soniya
Hello, I am Soniya, the cofounder of The Belly Rules The Mind. Originally from Mumbai, India, I am settled in Virginia US with my husband.
I am a mother of 2 energetic boys, referred to as R2 (15-year-old) and R3 (10-year-old) on the blog. In case you are wondering who is R1, well that is my husband.
My hubby and I were born in Mumbai, India, where we were spoiled by the wealth of food choices available to us. We could enjoy everything from yummy street food to multi-cuisine restaurants and we became very picky about what we like and what we don't. Come join us on our journey to have "The Belly Rule The Mind"
ale says
This recipe is truly amazing. I tried it and it turned out very nice.
Soniya Saluja says
Hey Ale, so glad to hear that! Hope you try our other delicious soup recipes ?
Megan says
Hi, approximately how much cilantro should be used and should it be chopped?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Megan, it's roughly 1/4 cup
Ireland says
Hi, there! I'm trying to print this recipe by clicking the print button on this webpage, but I keep getting this message, "888 Warning: Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express ad written permission from this site's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited! Contact us for further clarification.!!1231" Can you help me get access to printing this recipe, so I can try it out?
Linda says
Wanted to make this, but after a ton of scrolling to actually find the recipe, it was covered by ads. Now I'm just irritated
Tammy says
@Linda,
Tammy says
@Linda, there's a Jump To The Recipe button at the top that will take you right to the recipe without scrolling
Century Foods says
Thank you, I like this recipe & look forward to using it
Deb says
I’ve never heard of this soup, and it looks delicious. Since I’m unfamiliar and gluten-free, does anyone have a suggestion for a substitute for the noodles? I’m wondering if flat Asian rice noodles would work? AND I’m looking forward to checking out your blog. I saw some amazing things as I was scrolling through.
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Deb, you can use gf Barilla spaghetti and break them and roast them. It's gives some texture and taste. Hope this helps :)
Lauren says
How do you use better then better than bullion instead of vegetable broth? Do you just add the same amount of water and then add the bullion? How much bullion and water would you use?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Lauren, yes you can use better than bullion. Add 4 cup is water instead of broth and 2 tbsp of Better than bullion.
Roxanne MacKenzie-Moley says
Hi If i use canned tomatoes, do I drain them first or I can use the tomato juice as well? Thanks. I will be making this for supper, it looks so yummy!
Soniya Saluja says
Hello Roxanne, if using canned tomatoes use your juice too. Enjoy the soup!
Karen says
Can you add chicken or other vegetables?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Karen, yes you can add chicken or mixed frozen veggies or fresh. Corn, beans and carrots go very well in this soup. You can add your choice or favorite broth too.
Cheryl says
If I used canned tomatoes, how much do I use? Is a 14.5 oz can enough? Looks so good
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Cheryl, yes 14 oz canned tomatoes are good for this recipe (4-5 whole or about 1 pound)
Hope you enjoy the soup as much as we do!
Felicia Mastroluca says
Can I use a red onion it’s all I have at the moment
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Felicia, yes you can use red onion.. just soak them in water to remove the sharp bitterness. Hope this helps
LZ says
Do you cook the noodles before putting them in the oil?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi LZ, no need to cook them.Just need to toast them in oil and cook.. check out the video and recipe. Hope it helps!
Sindy says
What size can of tomatoes would you use. Could the garlic,onion flavored tomato sauce be used?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Sindy, medium size tomotoes. Yes you can use flavored sauce too!
Kristi says
Made this soup tonight for supper and it was a hit! Definitely putting this on the rotation.
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Kristi, so glad to hear that :) hope you try other recipes from our blog.xoxo
Katie says
If I double this recipe, does that change the cook time?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Katie, if you double the recipe the time remains the same.
Andrea says
This looks so good! When I don’t have fresh tomatoes, can I use a can of tomatoes? Thank you!
Soniya Saluja says
Thanks Andrea, yes! You can use canned tomatoes too:) hope you try this recipe and share your feedback with us.
Andrea says
What about using chicken broth vs veggie?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Andrea, you can certainly use çhicken broth if you like the flavors.
Suparna says
Can I use other kinds of tomatoes if I don’t have the ones stated in the recipe?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi suparna, yes definitely you can .
Jennifer says
Just made this and it was fabulous! The perfect comfort food and it will be so good for a quick weeknight meal!
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Jennifer, We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed the soup.. hope you try other recipes from our blog !
Georgina says
Can you used canned Roma tomatoes in place of fresh??
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Georgina, yes you can use canned roma tomatoes. Hope you try and share your feedback with us.
Jenny says
Made it last night. It was very tasty. Definitely not enough liquid, but I just added water as you suggested. Very easy too! Thank you for that little slice of my childhood lol.
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Jenny, Thanks for share your experience with us,❤ hope you try other recipes from our blog.
Amanda H. says
Made this last weekend and my family loved it. It tasted fresh and flavorful. Never tried Sopa de Fideo but this will be going into rotation with many of the other amazing soups from your blog.
Soniya Saluja says
Hello Amanda, thanks for sharing your experience with us. Hope you try other recipes from our blog too :)
Momog says
Made this soup last night. I doubled the batch as I had 8 huge tomatoes from my garden that were on their way out the door. My family looooved it. It really reminds me of my childhood!! I made it on the stove top and it cooked in under 15 minutes. Super quick and delicious. The perfect combo!! ❤
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Momog, Thanks for sharing your experience with us... fresh tomatoes from your garden sounds amazing ? we love using vegetables from our home garden but we are done for the season!hope you try other recipes from our blog
Mel says
Great soup! I made it tonight.
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Mel, we are so glad to hear that :) Hope you try other soup recipes from our blog.xoxo
Andrea Metlika says
Wow! This soup sounds amazing! Definitely making it this right away!
Soniya Saluja says
Hey Andrea, awesome.. do share your feedback with us after your try it.
Emmeline says
This looks delicious!! Love noodles in my soups and this will be a fun new flavor twist to try.
veenaazmanov says
Quick and best comfort meal for Dinner. Delicious Soups are always Welcome. A total filler.
Vicky says
This soup looks so good! It is especially perfect for a chilly fall night. I love how you've added just a touch of lime for additional flavor.
Priya Lakshminarayan says
I have always made Asian noodle soup..never tried with Mexican flavors...I am definitely trying this now
Jess says
Even my pickiest eater enjoyed this soup! Adding it to our menu rotation for busy nights.
Beth says
This soup is flavorful, delicious and so easy. I can see myself making it once a week!
Shanna A. says
I love how flavorful and easy this soup was to make. This is definitely in my top ten of favorite instant pot recipes.
Marlynn says
I love how fast this soup is to make in the Instant Pot! So good on chilly fall nights.
Amy Desrosiers says
This recipe looks mighty delicious! I love how it is a perfect comforting dish for the fall season.