Loco Moco Recipe
If you’re craving something hearty, savory, and utterly satisfying, the Loco Moco recipe is your go-to dish. This Hawaiian comfort food classic layers juicy hamburger patties over fluffy white rice, drenched in rich gravy and crowned with a sunny-side-up egg. It’s bold, filling, and downright delicious — a must-try for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
What is loco moco?
Loco Moco is a classic plate lunch from Hawaii. It’s made with a base of rice, topped with a hamburger patty, smothered in brown gravy, and finished with a fried egg. It’s not fancy — it’s filling, flavorful, and wildly satisfying. It’s that combo of textures — soft, crispy, creamy — that makes people crave it.
Some say “moco loco recipe,” but that’s just a mix-up. The real term is loco moco recipe. And while the dish has Latin-sounding words, it’s all Hawaii at heart.
Today, locals eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s the kind of plate that sticks with you — in a good way.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Loco Moco Recipe
Here’s a quick look at the key components that make this Hawaiian Loco Moco recipe a hit. Find full measurements in the recipe card below.
For the patties
- Ground beef – Juicy and flavorful ground beef is the heart of this recipe. Ensure you use good-quality beef for the best results.
- Small onion, finely chopped – Adding finely chopped onion gives the beef patties an extra layer of sweetness and depth.
- Egg – This helps to bind the patties together, ensuring they hold their shape while cooking.
- Salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance the flavor of your juicy burgers.
For the rest
- Cooked white rice – Steamed to perfection, white rice acts as the fluffy foundation for this dish. Jasmine rice works wonderfully here.
- Eggs – Top each portion with a sunny-side-up egg. The runny yolk is a game-changer!
- Oil – This is all you need to fry the beef patties and eggs to golden perfection.
For the gravy
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Adjust the seasoning to suit your liking once the gravy is done.
- Reduced-fat butter – The buttery base adds richness to the gravy while letting other ingredients shine.
- Mushrooms – Mushrooms bring a lovely umami flavor and texture to the gravy.
- Small onion – Sliced onions add sweetness and balance out the savoriness of the gravy.
- All-purpose flour – A key ingredient to thicken the gravy to the ideal consistency.
- Bone broth – Using bone broth as the base makes the gravy rich and complex in flavor. Beef stock can be used as a substitute.
- Low Soduim Soy sauce – A small splash of this adds saltiness and a deep savory note to the gravy.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Loco Moco Recipe
This is a quick overview of the steps. See the Recipe card below for the rest.
Step 1: In a bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, one egg, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties.
Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add the mushrooms and sliced onions, cooking until softened. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir. Slowly whisk in broth and soy sauce. Simmer until thickened, Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat. Fry eggs sunny-side up or to your preference. Scoop 1/2 cup rice onto each plate. Top with a hamburger patty, spoon over gravy, and finish with a fried egg on top.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add garlic: For a flavor boost, mix some garlic powder into your patties or gravy.
- Switch up the protein: Swap the hamburger patties for Spam or ground turkey for a lighter spin. For vegans, try veggie patties!
- Play with toppings: Sprinkle chopped green onions or drizzle a little Sriracha for extra flavor.
- Rice alternatives: Brown rice or cauliflower rice work well if you’re looking to switch things up.
Serving Suggestions
- For a flavorful, low-calorie veggie side, try this sautéed cabbage and onions recipe. It’s quick to make, full of fiber, and adds a nice crunch to your plate. The savory flavor of the cabbage pairs beautifully with the richness of the loco moco gravy.
- If you want something tangy to cut through the savory beef and egg, serve it with mixed pickled vegetables. This bright, colorful mix of cauliflower, carrots, and cabbage brings a refreshing contrast and adds visual appeal to your plate.
- For a fresh, slightly sweet twist, go with this beet root salad. It’s light, packed with nutrients, and the earthy-sweet flavors of beet and citrus are a great match for the savory base of loco moco.
- Looking for something warm, crispy, and cheesy — but still light? These air-fryer zucchini parmesan rounds bring comfort food vibes without the calories. They’re crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and the parmesan seasoning ties in nicely with the beefy flavors of the dish.
Storage
- Storage: Keep the patties, rice, and gravy in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for 3–4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked patties and gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm your patties and gravy on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. For the rice, a quick microwave session works perfectly.
💡 Pro Tips
- Chill patties in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before cooking. They hold together better.
- Don’t rush the gravy. Let it simmer. That’s where the flavor builds.
- Use day-old rice for better texture — it’s firmer and holds up under the gravy.
- Want extra gravy? Double the batch. You won’t regret it.
FAQ
Loco Moco can be enjoyed as a meal for any time of the day! It is often served as a hearty breakfast dish, but it can also make for a delicious lunch or dinner option. The combination of the savory gravy and rice with the juicy burger patty is perfect for any mealtime.
Sure, but it’s better with it. That runny yolk brings the whole dish together.
Use high-quality ground beef, avoid overmixing, and cook over medium heat to keep the patties moist and flavorful.
Loco Moco recipe
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Frying pan (2)
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Plate for resting patties
- Spoon for stirring
- Ladle for serving gravy
Ingredients
- 1 lb 95% lean ground bee
- 1/2 small onion finely chopped
- 1 egg for binding the patties
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 4 large eggs for topping
- 2 tablespoons oil for frying
For the gravy:
- 2 tablespoons reduced-fat butter
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ small onion sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups bone broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, one egg, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add the mushrooms and sliced onions, cooking until softened.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in beef broth and soy sauce. Simmer until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat. Fry eggs sunny-side up or to your preference.
- Scoop 1/2 cup rice onto each plate. Top with a hamburger patty, spoon over gravy, and finish with a fried egg on top.
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
Nutrition
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