Loco Moco Recipe: If you’ve never had Loco Moco before, you’re in for a wild ride. This hearty Hawaiian comfort food combines layers of steaming white rice, a juicy hamburger patty, rich brown gravy, and a golden, runny fried egg on top. It sounds simple, right? But oh boy, when all those flavors hit together, it’s magic. Loco Moco is a true culinary gem that screams “local flavor” and gives you all the feels in one spoonful.
What makes Loco Moco even more special is its balance of comfort and flavor. It’s not a fancy dish, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s the kind of meal that hugs your soul. Whether you’re whipping it up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s satisfying, quick to make, and surprisingly customizable.
Let’s break it all down from scratch so you can recreate this delicious island favorite in your own kitchen. And trust me, once you do, you’ll be hooked.
The History of Loco Moco
Before we cook, let’s go back in time. Loco Moco was born in the late 1940s in Hilo, Hawaii. Legend has it that a group of teenagers asked a local diner owner, Nancy Inouye of Lincoln Grill, for a cheap, fast, and filling meal. The result? A bed of rice topped with a hamburger patty and brown gravy. The fried egg came later as a tasty bonus. The name “Loco Moco”? It’s said to come from one of the teens’ nicknames, “Loco,” and “Moco” was added just because it sounded cool.
This humble origin reflects the spirit of Hawaiian cuisine—simple, affordable, and made to fill you up. Over the years, Loco Moco has evolved into a dish that pops up in everything from fast food joints to upscale restaurants across Hawaii and beyond.
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Classic
So, why does Loco Moco have such a cult following? Easy. It’s:
- Comforting – It hits that perfect combo of warm, savory, and satisfying.
- Easy to make – Just four main components, all cooked separately and layered.
- Versatile – You can switch up ingredients to fit your taste or diet.
- Inexpensive – No fancy or expensive ingredients required.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a cozy solo dinner, Loco Moco gets the job done deliciously every time.
Essential Kitchen Tools
You don’t need a gourmet kitchen to make this dish. Just make sure you have the following tools handy:
- A medium pot (for cooking rice)
- Non-stick or cast-iron skillet (for patties and eggs)
- Small saucepan (for gravy)
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Whisk
Now, let’s get to the good part.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Loco Moco from scratch.
For the Hamburger Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Splash of soy sauce (optional, for extra umami)
For the Rice:
- 2 cups white rice (short or medium-grain works best)
- 4 cups water
- Pinch of salt
For the Fried Eggs:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp oil or butter for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tips for Choosing Quality Ingredients
Loco Moco may be a simple dish, but using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference.
- Beef: Go for 80/20 ground beef to keep your patties juicy. Lean beef can turn out dry.
- Rice: Stick with short-grain or sushi rice for that slightly sticky texture. Long grain is too dry.
- Eggs: Free-range eggs tend to have better flavor and brighter yolks.
- Broth: Use homemade or low-sodium beef broth to control the salt levels.
- Soy Sauce & Worcestershire: Don’t skip these—they bring deep umami flavors that make the gravy shine.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Loco Moco
Let’s break it down into easy steps. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks, and totally worth it.
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by cooking 2 cups of white rice according to package instructions. Fluffy, warm rice is the base of a traditional Loco Moco, so prepare it first and keep it warm while you make the other components.
Step 2: Make the Hamburger Patties
In a bowl, combine ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently and form into evenly sized patties. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the patties tender.
Step 3: Cook the Patties to Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Cook the patties for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside, keeping the flavorful drippings in the pan for the gravy.
Step 4: Make the Brown Gravy
To the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and melt. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in 1½ cups beef broth, scraping the browned bits for extra flavor. Simmer until thickened, then season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Fry the Eggs Sunny-Side-Up
In another pan, fry eggs sunny-side-up, leaving the yolks runny for richness.
Step 6: Assemble the Loco Moco
Scoop rice onto a plate, place a patty on top, drizzle generously with gravy, and finish with a sunny-side-up egg. Serve hot and enjoy!
Customization Ideas
Loco Moco is as flexible as your cravings. Want to put your own twist on it? Go wild.
Add a Local Twist
- Use Portuguese sausage or Spam instead of beef for a true island vibe.
- Try a teriyaki glaze on the patty instead of classic gravy.
- Mix in pineapple chunks with the rice for a sweet-savory combo.
Make It Vegetarian or Vegan
- Swap the beef patty for a plant-based burger (like Beyond or Impossible).
- Use a mushroom gravy made with veggie broth and sautéed mushrooms.
- Top it with a tofu scramble or a vegan egg substitute.
Loco Moco can be whatever you need it to be—just don’t skip the layers!
What to Serve with Loco Moco
While this dish is a complete meal on its own, here are a few tasty sidekicks:
- Macaroni salad – A classic Hawaiian plate lunch pairing
- Pickled veggies – Adds brightness and crunch
- Steamed greens – Bok choy or spinach help balance the richness
- Tropical fruit salad – Think mango, pineapple, and papaya
And hey, maybe a cold beer or a fresh coconut water to wash it all down?
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Loco Moco stores surprisingly well, so don’t worry about making extra.
- Store each component (rice, patties, gravy, eggs) separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Reheat rice and patties in the microwave or a skillet. Gravy can be reheated on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
- Fry fresh eggs when you’re ready to eat—the yolk doesn’t hold up well in the fridge.
Leftovers can last up to 3–4 days in the fridge. It’s a great meal prep option!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s make sure your Loco Moco turns out flawless.
- Using lean ground beef – This results in dry patties. Stick to 80/20 or mix in some fat.
- Skipping the roux – The flour + butter base gives gravy its body. Don’t just dump broth in.
- Overcooking the eggs – No one wants rubbery whites or a chalky yolk. Go sunny-side-up!
- Too little seasoning – Salt each component to bring out max flavor.
- Using the wrong rice – Avoid dry, fluffy long-grain rice. Go for something sticky and soft.
Nail the details, and you’ll have a dish that rivals any Hawaiian diner.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Component | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Rice (1 cup) | 200 | 4g | 45g | 0.5g |
| Hamburger Patty | 300 | 20g | 5g | 22g |
| Gravy | 100 | 2g | 6g | 8g |
| Fried Egg | 90 | 6g | 1g | 7g |
| Total (per bowl) | 690 | 32g | 57g | 37.5g |
Keep in mind, toppings and add-ons can change the numbers, but this gives you a solid idea.
Why Homemade Loco Moco Beats Takeout
Sure, you could grab Loco Moco from a local joint (if you’re lucky enough to live near one), but homemade takes it to the next level.
- Freshness – Nothing beats rice fresh off the stove and gravy still bubbling.
- Customization – More gravy? Less salt? Extra egg? Your call.
- Cost-effective – You’ll feed 4 people for the price of 1 restaurant serving.
- Bragging rights – You made a legit Hawaiian dish from scratch. That’s impressive.
So skip the takeout and make this in your own kitchen—it’s easy, comforting, and totally worth it.
FAQs about Loco Moco Recipe
1. What type of rice is best for Loco Moco?
Short-grain or medium-grain white rice is ideal. It has a slightly sticky texture that works beautifully with the gravy and other layers.
2. Can I use instant gravy?
Technically yes, but homemade gravy is far richer and tastier. If you’re in a rush, just make sure to boost store-bought gravy with a splash of soy sauce and beef broth for depth.
3. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour for the roux, gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check that your broth and Worcestershire are gluten-free.
4. Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the rice, patties, and gravy ahead. Just fry the eggs fresh before serving for the best texture.
5. What sides go best with Loco Moco?
Mac salad, pickled vegetables, or tropical fruit salad are great pairings. They add contrast to the rich, savory main dish.
Conclusion
Loco Moco isn’t just a meal—it’s a full-on experience. It captures the essence of Hawaiian comfort food with every bite: simple ingredients, rich flavors, and that unbeatable feeling of satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking it up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dish brings the aloha spirit straight to your table. And the best part? You don’t need to be a chef to nail it.
So next time you’re craving something warm, hearty, and a little bit different—give this Loco Moco recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you.
