Loco Moco Hawaiian Lunch

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Hawaiian Comfort: Loco Moco is a traditional Hawaiian dish that’s both hearty and delicious, bringing the island’s flavors straight to your table.

Complete Meal in One: This dish includes protein, rice, and a rich sauce, all in one bowl. It’s filling, balanced, and perfect for any time of day.

Simple Yet Flavorful: The combination of ground beef, savory brown gravy, and a perfectly fried egg makes this dish incredibly comforting.

Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to your preferences by adding vegetables, using a different type of meat, or changing the sauce.

Ingredients

For the Rice

2 cups medium grain white rice

2 cups water

For the Brown Gravy

2 cups beef stock

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon shoyu (soy sauce)

1 teaspoon beef bouillon paste

1 tablespoon heavy cream

For the Burger Patties

2 pounds ground beef

1 large egg

1/4 cup diced onion

1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons ketchup

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Eggs

Cooking oil of choice

6 large eggs

Salt and black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cool running water until the water runs clear. Place the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Make the Brown Gravy: In a small pot, combine beef stock, cornstarch, onion powder, shoyu, and beef bouillon paste. Whisk over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Set aside.

Prepare the Burger Patties: In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, egg, diced onion, panko, ketchup, mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper. Form the mixture into 6 equal-sized patties. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties until they’re well browned on both sides and fully cooked through. Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.

Cook the Eggs: Heat a small amount of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Crack an egg into the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the edges are golden brown. Carefully flip the egg and cook until the white is set, but the yolk remains runny. Repeat for the remaining eggs.

Assemble the Loco Moco: Scoop the cooked rice onto each plate. Place one burger patty on top of the rice. Generously ladle brown gravy over the patty and rice. Top each serving with a fried egg. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 individual portions

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Different Proteins: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a veggie patty for a lighter version of the dish.

Add Mushrooms: For added depth of flavor, sauté some mushrooms and add them to the brown gravy.

Sauce Variations: If you prefer, substitute the homemade brown gravy with a ready-made mix for quicker preparation.

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce to the burger patties or gravy for some extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the components separately: warm the rice in the microwave, reheat the burger patties in a skillet, and fry fresh eggs for the best texture. You can also reheat the brown gravy in a saucepan.

FAQs

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a different take on the classic Loco Moco.

How do I make sure the egg yolk stays runny?

Cook the egg over medium heat and be sure to flip it gently. Don’t cook it for too long after flipping—just enough to set the whites while keeping the yolk runny.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice for a healthier version of this dish. Just note that the cooking time for brown rice will be longer than for white rice.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can make a vegetarian version by using a plant-based protein for the patties and a vegetarian-friendly brown gravy.

Can I freeze this dish?

While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the cooked burger patties and gravy for up to 1 month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, you can mix chili flakes into the gravy, add jalapeños to the burger patties, or drizzle some hot sauce on top of the egg.

Can I use store-bought gravy?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can substitute store-bought brown gravy. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings to taste.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the components of Loco Moco in advance—cook the rice, make the gravy, and form the patties. When ready to serve, simply assemble and fry the eggs.

What can I serve with Loco Moco?

Loco Moco is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side of sautéed greens or a simple salad to balance out the richness.

Conclusion

Loco Moco Hawaiian Lunch is the perfect combination of savory ground beef, rich brown gravy, and a fried egg over fluffy rice. This comforting dish is easy to make and ideal for satisfying your hunger with a taste of Hawaii. Customize it to your liking, and enjoy a hearty meal that brings both tradition and flavor to your table!

Print