Easy High Protein Spicy Mapo Tofu Soup

If you love the bold, spicy flavors of mapo tofu but want something lighter, this high protein mapo tofu soup is the perfect solution. It keeps all the signature elements — the soft tofu, the savory doubanjiang paste, the warm numbing spice from Sichuan peppercorns — but transforms them into a comforting soup that’s hearty yet balanced.

Instead of heavy oil or excess sauce, the flavors are carried by a protein-rich bone broth. The result is a soup that’s light enough for everyday eating but still deeply satisfying. Lean beef provides a boost of protein, while Napa cabbage and enoki mushrooms add volume, texture, and fiber without adding many calories.

Every spoonful combines silky tofu, tender beef, and crisp vegetables in a fragrant, spicy broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s comforting, energizing, and full of clean, rich flavor.

Nutrition & Key Ingredients

This high protein mapo tofu soup is proof that healthy food can still be bold and exciting. Here’s what makes it so good for you:

• Soft Tofu: A great source of lean, plant-based protein that absorbs all the spicy flavors.
• Lean Beef (Sirloin or Flank): Adds high-quality protein with minimal fat.
• Napa Cabbage: Adds volume and nutrients while keeping calories low.
• Enoki Mushrooms: Provide a light, tender bite and soak up the broth beautifully.
• Doubanjiang: The heart of any mapo tofu — a fermented chili bean paste that gives deep umami and spice. My favorite brand I grew up eating in my household is made in Taiwan from “Ming Teh".
• Oyster Sauce: Enhances savory depth with minimal calories.
• Chili Oil: Adds fragrance and richness; just a little goes a long way.
• Bone Broth: Adds collagen, protein, and depth without heaviness.
• Sichuan Peppercorn Powder: Brings that unique tingling heat that makes mapo tofu unforgettable.

This combination makes the soup high in protein, moderate in healthy fats, and low in calories — ideal for a quick lunch, a warming dinner, or a post-workout meal that feels indulgent without the guilt.

Why You Should Make This

This high protein mapo tofu soup is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish — flavorful, filling, and fast. Everything cooks in one pot, and you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

You’ll love how flexible it is, too. Swap beef for ground chicken, pork, or extra tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also add noodles or rice if you want to make it more substantial.

It’s one of those recipes that delivers restaurant-level flavor with pantry ingredients, making it perfect for anyone craving something cozy yet balanced. Once you make this, it’ll become a repeat favorite — spicy, silky, and deeply satisfying every single time.