Loco Moco Hawaiian Lunch

Category: Dinner Solutions You'll Love

Loco Moco brings the heart of Hawaiian home cooking to your table with seasoned ground beef patties, steamed white rice, and a glossy brown gravy finished with a splash of cream for silkiness. Each plate is crowned with a perfectly cooked fried egg, its runny yolk blending into the rich sauce. Brown the patties in a hot skillet for full flavor, make the gravy aromatic with a touch of shoyu, and layer the components just before serving to keep textures distinct. Comforting, filling, and packed with savory flavor, it’s a satisfying lunch or dinner any day of the week.

Rose
By Sophie Parker Sophie Parker
Updated on Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:16:26 GMT
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Loco Moco is my secret for feeding a crowd or treating my family on a rainy weekend It layers steamy rice juicy patties rich gravy and a perfect egg into the ultimate comfort food bowl

My family was skeptical the first time I made it but now Loco Moco is our go to for birthdays and celebrations

Ingredients

  • Medium grain white rice: for a tender slightly sticky base Choose a fresh bag for the best texture
  • Beef stock: forms the backbone of the gravy Opt for low sodium if you like to control the seasoning
  • Cornstarch: thickens the gravy quickly Look for one without lumps to avoid clumping
  • Onion powder: adds savory warmth A fresh container gives the punchiest flavor
  • Shoyu or soy sauce: lifts the sauce with umami If possible use an authentic Hawaiian or Japanese brand
  • Beef bouillon paste: amplifies the meatiness Read the label and avoid added MSG if you prefer
  • Heavy cream: brings silkiness to the gravy Go for real dairy if you can to avoid off flavors
  • Ground beef: forms rich patties Use freshly ground for juiciness and flavor
  • Egg: binds the burger mixture Pick a large one with a golden yolk
  • Diced onion: in the patties delivers bites of sweetness Yellow onion works best for this
  • Panko breadcrumbs: keep burgers tender and light Always choose fresh panko for best results
  • Ketchup: for tang and color A classic bottle is perfect
  • Mayonnaise: provides moisture Japanese style is exceptionally creamy if you can find it
  • Salt and black pepper: for balanced seasoning Sea salt gives a clean flavor here
  • Cooking oil: for frying Use avocado or canola oil for a neutral taste
  • Large eggs: to crown the dish Seek pasture raised for extra sunrise colored yolks

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Rice:
Rinse your rice in cool water gently agitating with your hands until the water is mostly clear This step removes excess starch and helps rice cook up fluffy not gummy Place the rinsed rice and fresh water into a rice cooker and let it steam gently until tender and each grain stands alone but is lightly sticky When done fluff with a fork and keep warm
Make the Brown Gravy:
In a small saucepan whisk together beef stock cornstarch onion powder shoyu and bouillon paste Ensure there are no lumps and place over medium heat Keep whisking as it comes to a simmer and thickens to coat the back of a spoon Once it reaches that luxurious texture take it off the heat and stir in heavy cream until velvety
Mix and Cook the Burger Patties:
In a wide bowl combine ground beef one egg diced onion panko ketchup mayonnaise salt and pepper Mix by hand but avoid overworking so the patties stay juicy Shape into six equal balls then gently flatten to about half an inch thick Heat a skillet over medium high wait until a drop of water sizzles on contact Cook patties a few at a time letting each side brown deeply before flipping Only turn once for best results Check the center for doneness and set aside under foil to keep warm
Fry the Eggs:
Wipe out your skillet and drizzle a bit of oil Heat over medium and crack in one egg Sprinkle with a dash of salt and pepper Wait until the white is nearly set and the edges get lacy and golden then flip gently if you prefer over easy Cook briefly so the yolk stays molten Remove and repeat
Assemble the Loco Moco:
On each plate spread a bed of hot rice Top with a beef patty then spoon over a generous ladle of brown gravy Finally settle a fried egg over each stack Serve hot so the sauce seeps into the rice and every forkful is rich and satisfying
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The richness of the beef patties is my favorite part I learned from my aunty that a tablespoon of mayonnaise is a game changer for juiciness Every time I make it I remember my cousin sneaking extra gravy and everyone laughing at our messy plates

Storage Tips

Loco Moco separates beautifully for leftovers Store rice beef patties and gravy in separate containers in the fridge for up to three days Reheat patties and gravy slowly on the stove to keep everything moist Fry fresh eggs each time for the best texture The dish can also be frozen without the egg Patties and gravy will last up to two months and are ready for a quick weeknight meal

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a lighter take For vegetarians a grilled portobello mushroom cap works surprisingly well If you are short on beef stock try chicken or even a strong vegetable broth Use gluten free panko if avoiding wheat and tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten free option

Serving Suggestions

Loco Moco pairs well with a simple cabbage salad or pickled vegetables to cut through the richness Some people top theirs with sautéed mushrooms or a drizzle of chili crisp For a party set up a build your own station with bowls of rice patties eggs and extras like sliced green onion for everyone to customize

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Roots of the Dish

Loco Moco is a beloved part of Hawaiian comfort cuisine It was created in the late 1940s by a diner for hungry surfers seeking an affordable hearty meal The name reflects island humor and the mix of cultures found throughout Hawaii You will find it everywhere from beachside cafes to home kitchens showcasing Hawaii’s joyful mash up of flavors

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of rice is best for Loco Moco?

Medium grain white rice works best, offering the right balance of stickiness and fluffiness to soak up the gravy and hold the dish together.

→ Can I use pre-made brown gravy?

Yes, ready-made brown gravy can be used for convenience, though homemade gravy adds extra depth of flavor with beef stock and shoyu.

→ What are common variations on the ground beef patty?

Try substituting ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option, or adding sautéed mushrooms to the mixture for more earthy flavor.

→ How do I get a perfectly runny fried egg?

Fry eggs in a lightly oiled pan until edges brown, then carefully flip and cook briefly so the white sets and the yolk remains soft.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

The patties and gravy can be made ahead, but fry eggs and assemble the rice and toppings just before serving to keep textures fresh.

Loco Moco Hawaiian Lunch

Savory beef, fluffy rice, rich gravy, and a fried egg come together for a beloved Hawaiian-style lunch.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
40 min
By Sophie Parker: Sophie Parker

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Hawaiian

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ For the rice

01 2 cups medium grain white rice
02 2 cups water

→ For the brown gravy

03 2 cups beef stock
04 3 tablespoons cornstarch
05 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 1 teaspoon shoyu (soy sauce)
07 1 teaspoon beef bouillon paste
08 1 tablespoon heavy cream

→ For the burger patties

09 2 pounds ground beef
10 1 large egg
11 1/4 cup diced onion
12 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
13 2 tablespoons ketchup
14 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
15 Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ For the eggs

16 Cooking oil of choice
17 6 large eggs
18 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Steps

Step 01

Rinse white rice under cool running water until the water runs clear. Place the rinsed rice and 2 cups water in a rice cooker. Cook according to manufacturer's instructions.

Step 02

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

Step 03

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, diced onion, panko, ketchup, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper until evenly combined. Shape mixture into 6 equal patties. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook patties until well browned on both sides and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.

Step 04

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 begin to brown. Carefully flip the egg and cook just until the white is set but the yolk remains runny. Repeat for remaining eggs.

Step 05

Scoop cooked rice onto each plate. Place one burger patty over the rice. Generously ladle brown gravy over the patty and rice. Top each serving with a cooked egg. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Prepare gravy ahead of time for easier assembly when serving groups.
  2. For convenience, a ready-made brown gravy mix may be substituted.
  3. Customize by adding sautéed mushrooms or substituting ground chicken or turkey.

Required Tools

  • Rice cooker
  • Small pot
  • Whisk
  • Large skillet
  • Large bowl

Allergy Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains soy (shoyu).
  • Contains gluten (panko breadcrumbs).
  • Contains eggs.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, mayonnaise).

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

These details are provided for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 680
  • Fats: 38 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 38 g