Loco Moco Recipe: How to Make Hawaiian Comfort Food

If you’ve never tasted the warm, satisfying hug that is a Loco Moco recipe, you’re in for a treat that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. This iconic Hawaiian dish may sound quirky by name, but one spoonful is all it takes to understand why it’s a beloved staple across the islands. With its hearty combination of white rice, a juicy hamburger patty, rich brown gravy, and a perfectly runny fried egg on top, Loco Moco is the ultimate comfort food.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and indulgent weeknight dinner, a creative brunch idea, or a hangover cure that delivers big flavor, this dish fits the bill. It’s a one-bowl wonder that brings bold umami flavors, satisfying textures, and a touch of island nostalgia to your table.

What makes this dish stand out is its satisfying layering, from the sticky rice base to the savory meat, rich gravy, and silky egg. It’s a harmony of simple elements working together to create something utterly crave-worthy. Once you try this Loco Moco recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Recipe Card

Loco Moco Recipe

Recipe by Souhail

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: HawaiianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

710

kcal

Loco Moco is a classic Hawaiian comfort dish featuring a juicy hamburger patty served over rice, topped with a fried egg and smothered in savory gravy. It’s the perfect mix of flavors and textures for a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

• For the hamburger patties:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean)

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• For the gravy:

• 2 cups beef broth

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

• For assembly:

• 4 cups cooked white rice

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying eggs)

• Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Prepare the hamburger patties:
  In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 equal-sized patties. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
• Make the gravy:
  In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. Slowly add the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
• Fry the eggs:
  In a separate skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the eggs sunny-side up until the whites are set, but the yolks remain runny (about 3-4 minutes).
• Assemble the loco moco:
  Place a generous serving of cooked rice on each plate. Top each with a hamburger patty, then spoon the gravy generously over the patty and rice. Place a fried egg on top. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

• You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• For added flavor, you can mix in sautéed onions with the hamburger patties.
• Store leftover loco moco in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

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Why This Loco Moco Recipe Works

At first glance, the Loco Moco recipe might seem deceptively simple — rice, beef, egg, and gravy. But don’t let the short ingredient list fool you. The magic is in the details. What elevates this recipe is the homemade gravy, seasoned burger patty, and perfectly cooked egg. Every bite gives you a balanced mouthful of umami, creaminess, and heartiness.

Perfectly Seasoned Beef Patty

Instead of using a plain ground beef patty, this version incorporates garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of panko breadcrumbs for a juicy, flavorful burger that holds together beautifully. A well-seasoned patty prevents the dish from tasting bland and provides a savory counterpoint to the other elements.

Deep, Rich Homemade Gravy

While some recipes may take shortcuts with store-bought gravy, this version uses a homemade beef broth-based gravy thickened with a roux and enriched with soy sauce and umami-boosters like mushroom or onion powder. It coats the rice and patty like a silky blanket, tying the dish together.

The Runny Egg Crown

No Loco Moco recipe is complete without that golden fried egg perched on top. The runny yolk becomes a rich sauce of its own, mixing with the gravy and rice to create a luxurious bite.

Customizable to Fit Any Diet

Vegetarian? Swap the beef for a grilled portobello mushroom or plant-based patty. Gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Low-carb? Try it over cauliflower rice.

This is a dish you can make your own, but its soul always stays true to the Hawaiian roots.

Additional Tips for perfect Loco Moco Recipe

1. For the perfect hamburger patty: Don’t overmix the ground beef mixture as it can make the patties dense. Lightly shape them, just enough to hold their form.
2. Gravy consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add more beef broth, a tablespoon at a time. If too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
3. Customizing the egg: While a sunny-side-up egg is traditional, you can cook the egg to your liking. Over-easy or scrambled also work great.
4. Rice tips: Use leftover rice for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice can sometimes be too sticky for this dish.
5. Add-ins: For a fun twist, try adding sliced mushrooms to the gravy for extra flavor, or swap in brown rice for a healthier option.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

The traditional loco moco is delicious as it is, but here are some serving suggestions and variations to try:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a veggie burger or a mixture of lentils and mushrooms.
• Spicy Twist: Add Sriracha sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick.
• Local Ingredients: Include local Hawaiian ingredients like teriyaki sauce or pineapple for extra flavor.

Loco moco can easily adapt to different tastes, so feel free to get creative!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The Loco Moco recipe is the definition of hearty, feel-good food. With just a few simple ingredients, rice, beef patty, rich gravy, and a fried egg, you can recreate the magic of Hawaiian home cooking in your own kitchen. It’s quick, customizable, and irresistibly satisfying.

If you’re in the mood for more island flavors, try pairing it with this chewy, buttery Butter Mochi recipe for a sweet finish. Or, dive into other savory comfort classics like this juicy Chicken and Gravy recipe or the ultimate Salisbury Steak that also layers meat, gravy, and nostalgia.

And if bold, rice-based meals are your thing, you’ll love the punchy flavors of this Dirty Rice with Ground Beef, another quick and deeply satisfying dinner idea.

With recipes like these, bringing comfort to the table has never been easier, or tastier.