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Loco Moco is a go-to comfort meal in my house whenever someone needs a filling pick-me-up or we just want to bring a sunny island vibe to our table. Imagine a stack of fluffy rice crowned with a juicy burger patty, a golden-yolked fried egg, and a pour of glossy brown gravy that soaks into every layer. This is Hawaiian home cooking at its best and honestly one of the quickest ways I know to make my entire family smile.
I first tried Loco Moco on a rainy day and instantly knew it would be a repeat favorite. This is the sort of meal that truly hits the spot when you want food that feels like a hug.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Look for beef that is at least 80 percent lean for the juiciest patties
- Breadcrumbs: Help keep the patties tender and hold them together Italian or plain both work
- Egg: Fresh farm eggs taste richest and help bind the patties
- Soy sauce: Adds umami and a savory punch Choose a good naturally brewed type
- Green onions: Choose crisp fresh green onions for a mild sweet kick
- Salt and pepper: Bring up all the flavors Use freshly cracked pepper if you can
- White rice: Short grain rice is classic and gives the right sticky texture
- Eggs for frying: Go for eggs with bright orange yolks for the best look and taste
- Brown gravy: Use a rich beefy gravy Homemade is a treat but your favorite store-bought works
Instructions
- Mix and shape patties:
- In a large bowl blend the ground beef with breadcrumbs egg soy sauce chopped green onions and season everything with salt and pepper Use clean hands to mix until just combined Do not overmix Form into four equal patties and gently flatten for even cooking
- Cook patties:
- Preheat a skillet or grill pan to medium heat Carefully add the burger patties and let them cook undisturbed for three to four minutes per side Wait until you see juices bead up on the surface before flipping This helps develop a flavorful crust While cooking resist the urge to press down on the patties so all the juices stay inside Once cooked through transfer them to a plate and keep warm
- Fry the eggs:
- In a nonstick pan heat a splash of oil over mediumlow Crack in the eggs one at a time and let them cook gently Try not to move them around You are aiming for a set white with a soft runny yolk sunny side up style works beautifully You can baste with a bit of oil if you like your whites more set
- Assemble the Loco Moco:
- On each plate start with a thick scoop of warm cooked rice Place a beef patty right on top Layer a freshly fried egg over each one Finish by pouring hot brown gravy over everything until the rice and patty soak up all that savory flavor Serve right away while the egg yolk is still warm and runny
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The best part of this dish for me is breaking into that runny egg yolk and watching it blend with the rich brown gravy My kids now love helping shape the burger patties and it never fails to draw everyone to the kitchen
Storage tips
Leftover patties and rice will keep in the fridge for up to three days Store eggs separately for the best texture Gravy can be reheated gently on the stovetop I often prep the patties and gravy ahead during busy weeks and just fry fresh eggs when serving
Ingredient substitutions
You can swap in ground turkey or plantbased patties for beef Brown rice or even quinoa works if you prefer grains with more fiber Gravy can be made from scratch using beef broth flour and butter or thickened mushroom soup if you want a vegetarian version
Serving suggestions
Loco Moco goes great with a simple green salad steamed bok choy or pickled vegetables For a classic Hawaiian plate lunch feel I add a scoop of macaroni salad on the side Sometimes we top it with a dash of hot sauce or extra green onions for a little kick
Cultural context
Loco Moco was created in Hilo Hawaii in the midtwentieth century as an affordable diner meal for hungry teens Today it is served in homes and cafes all across the islands and has become symbolic of local comfort food for good reason The mix of influences from American dinner plates and island flavors is what makes it so beloved
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Once you get the hang of Loco Moco you can adjust the layers easily to suit what you like best Whether you keep it classic or put your own spin on it one thing stays true Every time we have Loco Moco for lunch it brings a piece of Hawaiian sunshine to the table
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of beef works best for Loco Moco?
Use ground beef with moderate fat content (80/20) for juicy, flavorful patties that stay tender after cooking.
- → How is the egg typically cooked?
Fry eggs sunny-side-up so the yolk stays runny, mingling deliciously with the burger and gravy.
- → Can I use store-bought gravy?
Absolutely! Store-bought brown gravy saves time, but you may prepare homemade gravy for a richer flavor.
- → What rice should I serve underneath?
Medium-grain white rice is traditional, but jasmine or brown rice also pair well with the savory toppings.
- → How do I make it more authentic?
Top with chopped green onions and use soy sauce in the beef mixture to echo classic Hawaiian flavors.