If you’ve ever wanted to try a dish that perfectly balances comfort, heartiness, and a little bit of Hawaiian soul, this Loco Moco Recipe is exactly what you need. This iconic Hawaiian plate features a fluffy bed of white rice topped with juicy, flavorful hamburger patties, crowned with a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg, and doused in rich, savory brown gravy. It’s like a warm hug on a plate that delivers satisfying textures and crave-worthy flavors all in one bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and accessible, yet each plays a crucial role in building the classic layers of this savory dish. From the fluffy rice that anchors the meal, to the juicy beef packed with flavor, every component works perfectly together.
- 2 cups cooked white rice: Acts as the neutral, fluffy base to soak up all the gravy and egg yolk goodness.
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean): Provides juicy, flavorful patties with just enough fat to keep them tender.
- 2 large eggs: Fried sunny-side up to add richness and a silky texture when the yolk breaks.
- 1 cup brown gravy (store-bought or homemade): Brings deep, savory flavor and moisture to tie the dish together beautifully.
How to Make Loco Moco Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Begin by cooking 2 cups of white rice according to the package instructions. It’s important to let the rice steam well after cooking so that each grain stays fluffy and doesn’t clump together. This will create the perfect bed for our patties and egg to rest on.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Patties
While the rice is cooking, shape your ground beef into two even patties, ensuring they’re slightly larger than the buns you might expect on a burger since the rice bed will support them. Cook them over medium-high heat in a skillet for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a nice brown crust while staying juicy inside.
Step 3: Fry the Eggs
Using the same skillet that held your patties, fry the eggs sunny-side up. Cooking them in the beef juices adds flavor and richness. The goal here is to have the whites fully set while keeping the yolk runny to add that luscious sauce-like texture when placed atop the dish.
Step 4: Prepare or Heat the Brown Gravy
If you’re making homemade gravy, this is the time to prepare it, ensuring it’s warm and ready to pour. Otherwise, gently heat your store-bought gravy in a small pan or microwave. The gravy is essential as it seeps into the rice and meat, amplifying every bite with savory depth.
Step 5: Assemble Your Loco Moco
Start by placing the steamed rice evenly on your serving plates. Top each mound with a freshly cooked beef patty, followed by a sunny-side-up egg on top. Finally, generously ladle the warm brown gravy over the entire creation, making sure it cascades down the sides for maximum comfort food effect.
How to Serve Loco Moco Recipe
Garnishes
While traditionally simple, adding a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley brightens the dish both visually and flavor-wise. A few thin slices of ripe avocado can also add creaminess and balance the hearty meat and gravy.
Side Dishes
Loco Moco shines on its own, but if you want to serve it with sides, consider classic Hawaiian accompaniments like macaroni salad for a cool, creamy contrast or steamed mixed veggies for a fresh, colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering your Loco Moco in a large bowl like a bowl meal, or use mini egg rings to shape the patties and eggs for a cute individual serving that’s perfect for entertaining guests or brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To save any leftover Loco Moco, store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the patty and egg from getting soggy and the rice fluffy, allowing you to enjoy them later without losing texture.
Freezing
Freezing Loco Moco isn’t ideal as the egg texture changes when frozen and reheated, but you can freeze the cooked patties and rice separately. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat gently with fresh eggs cooked to order.
Reheating
When ready to eat the leftovers, warm the rice and patties in the microwave or on the stove until hot throughout, then fry a fresh egg to complete the dish. Reheat the gravy separately and pour over before serving for the best experience.
FAQs
What is Loco Moco?
Loco Moco is a beloved Hawaiian dish featuring white rice topped with a cooked hamburger patty, a fried egg, and smothered in brown gravy. It’s a filling, flavorful comfort food staple on the islands.
Can I make Loco Moco Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap the beef patties for veggie burgers or plant-based patties and use vegetarian gravy to keep it hearty and satisfying without the meat.
Is brown gravy necessary for authentic Loco Moco?
Yes, the brown gravy is essential because it brings moistness and umami flavor that ties the dish together, but you can customize it with mushroom gravy or other savory sauces if preferred.
How do I get the perfect sunny-side-up egg for the Loco Moco Recipe?
Use a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, cook slowly until the whites are set but the yolk remains runny. Adding a lid for a minute helps cook the tops of the whites without flipping the egg.
Can I double the recipe to serve more people?
Definitely! Just scale up the ingredients as needed and cook the patties in batches to ensure they maintain their juicy texture, then keep warm until ready to assemble.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about this easygoing Loco Moco Recipe, and once you make it yourself, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite across Hawaii and beyond. It’s simple, hearty, and endlessly satisfying—perfect for breakfast, lunch, or anytime you want a soul-warming meal. So grab your skillet and give it a try; I promise it will become one of your go-to comfort foods in no time!
Print
Loco Moco Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Loco Moco is a classic Hawaiian comfort food featuring a hearty combination of savory ground beef patties, fluffy white rice, sunny-side-up eggs, and rich brown gravy. This easy-to-make dish packs bold flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for a fulfilling meal any time of day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup brown gravy (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Prepare 2 cups of white rice according to the package instructions, then let it steam to achieve a fluffy texture.
- Cook the Beef Patties: Shape the ground beef into two equal-sized patties. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked through.
- Fry the Eggs: In the same skillet, carefully crack the eggs and fry them sunny-side up, allowing the whites to set while keeping the yolks runny.
- Prepare the Gravy: If using homemade brown gravy, prepare it now; if store-bought, warm it up gently on the stove or microwave.
- Assemble the Loco Moco: To assemble, place a serving of cooked rice on each plate. Top each rice portion with a beef patty, followed by a sunny-side-up egg. Finally, generously pour the warm brown gravy over the entire dish and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef if you prefer a less greasy patty.
- For extra flavor, season patties with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Brown gravy can be enhanced with sautéed mushrooms or onions.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or salad for a balanced meal.
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
