A few summers ago on vacation in Maui, my husband and I shared a plate of Loco Moco at a small roadside spot. The plate was piled high with warm rice, a juicy beef patty, a fried egg, and rich gravy. I watched him dive in with a grin, and our daughter asked for seconds before I even took a bite.
Back home on a rainy Monday evening, I recreated that moment in my kitchen. With local ground beef, leftover rice, and a simple homemade gravy, I stirred memories with every spoonful.
We gathered around the table, the sizzling beef patties and savory gravy filling the air, and I felt like I’d brought a bit of Hawaii home. My family now smiles whenever they see “Loco Moco night” on the menu—it’s become a cozy favorite for busy weeknights or casual weekend lunches.
Short Description
Loco Moco is a comforting Hawaiian dish featuring savory beef patties over steamed rice, topped with a sunny-side-up egg and doused in hearty brown gravy—a filling and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Key Ingredients
- 450 g ground beef
- 30 ml soy sauce
- 1 egg (for patty)
- 60 ml breadcrumbs
- 30 g finely chopped green onions
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 600 g cooked white rice
- 4 eggs (for topping)
- 240 ml brown gravy
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Nonstick skillet or frying pan
- Gravy saucepan or microwavable container
- Plates for serving
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Make Beef Patties
In a bowl, combine 450 g ground beef, 30 ml soy sauce, 1 egg, 60 ml breadcrumbs, 30 g green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined. Shape into four uniform patties.
Step 2: Cook Patties
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side until deeply browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Fry Eggs
In the same or a clean pan over medium heat, fry four eggs sunny-side-up until whites are just set and yolks runny.
Step 4: Warm Gravy
Heat 240 ml brown gravy in a small saucepan or microwave until hot and simmering.
Step 5: Plate the Loco Moco
Divide 600 g cooked rice across four plates. Top each portion with a beef patty. Place a fried egg on each patty. Generously drizzle gravy over egg, beef, and rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: Juicy beef, runny yolk, and savory gravy combine in every hearty bite.
Quick & Filling: Ready in about 20 minutes using pantry staples.
Family Favorite: Warming and substantial—a winning comfort meal.
Versatile: Makes a great lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Dry patties: Don’t overmix; mix just until combined.
Overcooked yolks: Fry eggs gently; yolks should still wobble.
Thin gravy: Choose a thick gravy or simmer a bit longer.
Rice clumping: Fluff rice before plating to keep grains separate.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
Serve classic loco moco on individual plates for easy portioning.
Pair with lightly steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.
Add sliced fresh green onion over the top for color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover patties and rice separately in airtight containers in fridge up to 2 days.
Reheat patties and rice in skillet or microwave until warmed; reheat gravy and pour over.
Cook fresh eggs just before serving to maintain yolk texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Sure, brown rice adds fiber and texture.
2. Can I make the patties ahead?
Yes, prepare patties and refrigerate up to a day in advance.
3. Is there vegetarian version?
Use plant-based ground meat and vegetarian gravy.
4. How do I adapt for gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gravy.
5. Can I serve this buffet-style?
Yes, keep patties warm in a low oven and let guests assemble their own.
Tips & Tricks
Use a medium-high heat skillet so patties brown nicely.
Drain excess fat from patties for a cleaner plate.
If yolks break, top with a soft-fried or poached egg instead.
Keep gravy warm over low heat to maintain a comforting drizzle.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Loco Moco:
Add finely chopped green chiles or sriracha into the patty mix. Serve with a drizzle of spicy gravy.
Hawaiian Loco Moco:
Top with grilled pineapple rings or pineapple salsa for a sweet twist.
Breakfast Moco:
Use turkey bacon or sausage, serve over rice with scrambled eggs and light gravy.
Final Thoughts
Loco Moco brings warmth and flavor in every savory layer—rice, burger, egg, and gravy. Every time I serve it, memories of that Maui table fill me with nostalgia and comfort. It’s surprisingly simple yet satisfying cooking when life gets busy.
My family loves that it’s both filling and fun, and I love how quickly it comes together. If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that feels special without fuss, give Loco Moco a try—you might just be bringing a bit of aloha to your own kitchen.
Loco Moco (Hawaiian Lunch)
Ingredients
- 450 g ground beef
- 30 ml soy sauce
- 1 egg for patty
- 60 ml breadcrumbs
- 30 g finely chopped green onions
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 600 g cooked white rice
- 4 eggs for topping
- 240 ml brown gravy
Instructions
- Combine beef, soy sauce, egg, breadcrumbs, green onions, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties.
- Pan-fry patties over medium heat, 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
- In another pan, cook eggs sunny-side-up until whites set, yolks runny.
- Warm brown gravy in a saucepan or microwave until hot.
- Spoon rice onto plates, top with a patty, egg, and hot gravy. Serve immediately.
