HEALTHY RECIPES
High-Protein Ma Po Tofu
Medically Reviewed & Fact-Checked by FastingTracker Medical Board • Written by
Aly Owen •
Updated: Sep 18, 2026
✨ Key Takeaways
- Learn the best practices of intermittent fasting for optimal health.
- Understand how to track your fasting windows effectively.
- Discover the science-backed metabolic benefits of fasting.
Healthy
This High-Protein Ma Po Tofu is a wholesome, nutrient-dense recipe designed to fit seamlessly into your intermittent fasting eating window. Carefully crafted to maintain steady insulin levels, support metabolic autophagy, and provide lasting satiety, it contains only 350 kcal per serving.
Total Time
40 mins
Phases
Prep: 15m
Cook: 25m
Yield
4 servings
Nutrition
350 kcal
Ingredients
- 450g Tofu
- 100g Minced Beef
- 1/2 tbs Sesame Seed Oil
- 1 1/2 tsp Doubanjiang
- 1/2 tsp Fermented Black Beans
- 1 tbs Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Sichuan pepper
- 1 tbs Soy Sauce
- 400ml Water
- 2 tbs Olive Oil
- 2 chopped Scallions
- 4 Spring Onions
- 2 cloves chopped Garlic
- 4 sliced Ginger
- 2 1/2 tbs Water
- 1 tbs xanthan gum
Instructions
- Add a small pinch of salt and sesame oil to minced beef
- Mix well and set aside
- Mix 1 tablespoon of xanthan gum with 2 and ½ tablespoons of water in a small bowl to make water starch
- Cut tofu into square cubes (around 2cms)
- Bring a large amount of water to a boil and then add a pinch of salt
- Slide the tofu in and cook for 1 minute
📚 Scientific Studies & Medical References (5 Sources) ▼
FastingTracker adheres to strict editorial standards, citing peer-reviewed clinical trials and authoritative medical institutions.
- New England Journal of Medicine (2019): de Cabo R, Mattson MP. Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Health, Aging, and Disease. N Engl J Med. 381(26):2541-2551. PubMed 31881139 • DOI
- Cell Metabolism (2014): Levine ME, Suarez JA, Brandhorst S, et al. Low Protein Intake and Periodic Fasting Promote Longevity and Autophagy. Cell Metab. 19(3):407-417. PubMed 24606898 • DOI
- Obesity (Silver Spring, 2018): Anton SD, Moehl K, Donahoo WT, et al. Flipping the Metabolic Switch: Understanding and Applying Health Benefits of Fasting. Obesity. 26(2):254-268. PubMed 29086496 • DOI
- Annual Review of Nutrition (2017): Patterson RE, Sears DD. Metabolic Effects of Intermittent Fasting. Annu Rev Nutr. 37:371-393. PubMed 28715993 • DOI
- Autophagy (2010): Alirezaei M, Kemball CC, Flynn CT, et al. Short-term fasting induces profound neuronal and systemic autophagy. Autophagy. 6(6):702-710. PubMed 20534972 • DOI
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