Name: Loco Moco
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1/2 lb ground beef; 1 cup white rice (uncooked); 2 large eggs; 1/4 small onion, minced (optional); 1 clove garlic, minced (optional); 1 cup beef broth; 1 tbsp cornstarch or flour; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp cooking oil or butter

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Loco Moco is a classic Hawaiian comfort dish that brings together a bed of steamed white rice, a juicy hamburger patty, rich brown gravy, and a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg. This simple yet hearty meal is beloved in Hawaiian cuisine and is a favorite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loco Moco combines familiar, satisfying elements—rice, meat, gravy, and eggs—into a single, deeply flavorful dish. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re craving something savory for brunch or a filling dinner after a long day, Loco Moco delivers comfort in every bite. The creamy yolk blending into the savory gravy creates an irresistible combination that’s both nostalgic and indulgent.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
White rice
Eggs
Onion (optional, for the patty or gravy)
Garlic (optional, for added flavor)
Beef broth
Cornstarch (or flour, for thickening the gravy)
Soy sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Salt
Black pepper
Cooking oil or butter

Directions

Cook the rice according to package instructions and keep warm.
Form the hamburger patty by seasoning the ground beef with salt and pepper (and optional minced onion or garlic), then shaping it into a round patty.
Cook the patty in a skillet over medium heat until well-browned and fully cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.
Make the gravy in the same skillet by whisking together beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and thickening it with cornstarch or flour. Season to taste.
Fry the egg sunny-side-up in a lightly oiled pan until the white is set and the yolk remains runny.
Assemble the dish by placing a scoop of rice on a plate, topping it with the hamburger patty, spooning gravy over it, and finishing with the fried egg on top. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Gravy style: Try mushroom gravy, teriyaki-style sauce, or add onion slices for extra depth.
Protein alternatives: Use ground turkey, spam, pulled pork, or even a veggie patty for a twist.
Egg style: Substitute with scrambled or over-easy eggs.
Rice base: Swap white rice with brown rice, fried rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Toppings: Add green onions, sriracha, or furikake seasoning for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the rice and hamburger patty in the microwave or on the stovetop. Fry a fresh egg when ready to serve for best texture. Gravy may be reheated gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen.

FAQs

What is Loco Moco?

Loco Moco is a traditional Hawaiian dish typically made with rice, a hamburger patty, brown gravy, and a fried egg.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, using leftover or pre-cooked rice makes preparation quicker and easier.

Is Loco Moco breakfast or dinner food?

It can be enjoyed at any time of the day—breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute the meat with a plant-based patty and use vegetable broth for the gravy.

What kind of gravy works best?

A simple brown gravy made from beef broth and thickened with cornstarch or flour works best, but variations are welcome.

Can I freeze Loco Moco?

You can freeze the cooked patties and rice, but it’s best to make the gravy and egg fresh for optimal texture.

What sides go well with Loco Moco?

Steamed vegetables, macaroni salad, or a simple green salad complement the dish well.

How do I keep the egg yolk runny?

Fry the egg on low to medium heat until the white is set but the yolk remains soft and jiggly. Avoid flipping it.

Is this a traditional Hawaiian recipe?

Yes, Loco Moco originated in Hawaii and is a staple in local diners and plate lunch spots.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch for the gravy.

Conclusion

Loco Moco is the epitome of comfort food, blending savory, rich, and satisfying flavors into one irresistible dish. With its simple preparation, flexible ingredients, and hearty appeal, this Hawaiian classic is sure to become a regular in your home-cooked meal rotation. Whether you’re new to Hawaiian cuisine or revisiting a beloved favorite, Loco Moco promises a delicious and memorable dining experience.

Loco Moco

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Loco Moco is a traditional Hawaiian comfort food made with a bed of rice, a savory hamburger patty, rich brown gravy, and a runny fried egg on top. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for any meal of the day.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Fried
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cook white rice according to package instructions. Keep warm.
Season ground beef with salt, pepper, and optional minced onion and garlic. Shape into two hamburger patties.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook patties until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside, keeping them warm.
In the same skillet, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
Mix cornstarch with a splash of cold water to make a slurry, then stir into the broth to thicken the gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a separate pan, heat oil or butter and fry eggs sunny-side-up until whites are set and yolks are still runny.
To assemble, place a scoop of rice on each plate, top with a hamburger patty, spoon gravy over the top, and finish with a fried egg.
Sprinkle with black pepper and any desired toppings before serving.