tempe
n. uncountablen. 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.
I like to fry tempe until it is crispy.
Many vegetarians use tempe as a protein-rich alternative to meat in stir-fries and salads because of its firm, chewy texture.
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.
Often treated as uncountable when referring to the food substance, though it can be countable when referring to individual cakes or varieties.
Last updated May 11, 2026