Fideo Mexicano (Vermicelli)
A flavorful Mexican vermicelli dish with toasted noodles, savory tomato sauce, vegetables, and spices, perfect for a hearty, comforting meal for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, add enough cooking oil to cover the bottom. Add the vermicelli, crushing the noodles slightly, into the heated oil.
- Stir on medium-high heat to brown the vermicelli. Add the chopped onion and continue stirring until the onions are translucent.
- Add the diced tomato, tomato sauce, water, chopped carrot, frozen peas, salt, pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt. Mix well.
- Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover, and cook until the vermicelli is soft, about 15 to 20 minutes. Do not stir during this period to prevent mushiness.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing minced garlic with the onions before adding the tomatoes. If you're short on fresh vegetables, canned or frozen ones can be great substitutes. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth in place of water for more depth. Adjust salt and seasonings according to your taste; for a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Fideo Mexicano as a main dish or alongside grilled meats for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Xnipec Salsa (Dog Breath) for an added kick. Garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for a refreshing touch. This dish also works well as a side for tacos or enchiladas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Fideo Mexicano in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the skillet and warm over low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, covering the dish to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fideo Mexicano (Vermicelli) contains roughly 517 calories, with 7g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1906mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of vermicelli?
Yes, you can substitute vermicelli with other thin pastas like angel hair or even broken spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since different pastas have varying cooking durations.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that the tomato sauce and any broth used are not meat-based. You can enhance the flavor with additional vegetables or spices.
How can I make Fideo Mexicano spicier?
To add heat, include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers when cooking. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when serving. Adjust the spice level according to your preference!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).