Can you burn fat and build muscle in caloric deficit using your stored fat with high protein?

Just got back into the gym and have not lifted in about 1 year. Was a good size before I quit due to life getting in way. I am slightly overweight (little gut) maybe 20-22% body fat not terrible. Right now I am in about a 300 caloric deficit and trying to lose about 15 lbs than switch to a slow clean bulk when I hit my weight loss goal. I am eating high protein with my meals. Obviously my main goal is to build muscle within next year and get back to where I was but I was curious I i am eating high protein in caloric deficit does my body use and burn the stored fat for energy? or is caloric surplus the only way I can gain muscle the fastest way? I would like to go straight to a bulk but I want to start with a leaner self and not have this extra weight and look bad via /r/intermittentfasting https://ift.tt/NRdhBf2 https://ift.tt/Tin8x5b