ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tempe

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtɛmpi// tempe

n. a traditional Indonesian food made from fermented soybeans. It has a firm texture and a nutty flavor, and it is often used as a meat substitute.

n. a fermented soy product originating from Indonesia, produced by a natural culturing and controlled fermentation process that binds soybeans into a cake form. It is distinguished from tofu by its whole-bean texture and higher protein and fiber content.


SIMPLE

I like to fry tempe until it is crispy.

CONTEXTUAL

Many vegetarians use tempe as a protein-rich alternative to meat in stir-fries and salads because of its firm, chewy texture.

COMPLEX

While tofu is made from coagulated soy milk, tempe utilizes the whole bean and a specific fungal starter, resulting in a more complex nutritional profile and a distinctively earthy aroma.

Usage

Often treated as uncountable when referring to the food substance, though it can be countable when referring to individual cakes or varieties.

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