If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings a taste of Hawaiian tradition straight to your kitchen, then this Loco Moco Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish perfectly layers fluffy white rice, juicy seasoned beef patties, rich brown gravy, and perfectly fried eggs to create a flavor-packed symphony in every bite. Whether you’re after a satisfying breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this classic Hawaiian favorite is a quick and fulfilling treat that never fails to impress. I’m excited to share this wonderful Loco Moco Recipe with you, guaranteed to warm your soul and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Loco Moco Recipe come to life, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that are easy to find but essential for capturing that authentic taste and texture. Each component plays a vital role—rice for the comforting base, beef for meaty richness, eggs to add creaminess, and gravy to bring everything together with savory goodness.
- 2 cups cooked white rice: The fluffy, slightly sticky rice perfectly absorbs the gravy and balances the richness of the other ingredients.
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean): This level of fat keeps the patties juicy and flavorful without being greasy.
- 2 large eggs: Fried sunny-side up to provide that luscious, runny yolk that melds with every bite.
- 1 cup brown gravy: Whether store-bought or homemade, this savory sauce is the magic that pulls the dish together.
How to Make Loco Moco Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by cooking your white rice according to package instructions. I always let it steam for a few extra minutes after cooking to ensure it’s perfectly fluffy and warm—this base is crucial because it soaks up the gravy and flavors wonderfully.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Beef Patties
Shape the ground beef into two equal-sized patties. A tip here is to avoid overworking the meat so it stays tender. Cook the patties in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a nice brown crust. This browning step adds a delightful depth of flavor.
Step 3: Fry the Eggs
Using the same skillet, fry your eggs sunny-side up. Cooking them in the beef drippings enhances their flavor and keeps them moist. Be sure the whites are set while the yolks remain runny to create that luscious sauce effect when eaten.
Step 4: Prepare the Brown Gravy
If you’re making gravy from scratch, this is the perfect moment to whip it up. A simple combination of beef stock, flour, and seasonings will do—homemade gravy will bring an incredible richness. Alternatively, a high-quality store-bought gravy works just fine and saves time.
Step 5: Assemble Your Loco Moco
Now comes the fun part: lay down a bed of warm white rice on each plate, then top with the juicy beef patties followed by the sunny-side-up eggs. Finally, lavish the entire creation generously with brown gravy—a true Loco Moco Recipe signature touch!
How to Serve Loco Moco Recipe
Garnishes
Classic Loco Moco is delicious on its own, but adding green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can elevate the flavors and add a pop of color. Some folks enjoy a dash of soy sauce or hot sauce to add extra zing, tailoring the dish to personal taste.
Side Dishes
Loco Moco pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for freshness, or a simple tossed salad to cut through its richness. A side of mac salad is also a traditional Hawaiian accompaniment that provides creamy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Loco Moco in a large rice bowl layered with the patties and eggs, perfect for a casual family meal. You can also top it with avocado slices or kimchi to bring in new textures and flavors that complement the savory elements.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover components separately in airtight containers—rice, patties, eggs, and gravy. This prevents sogginess and keeps flavors fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked beef patties and brown gravy separately, but rice and eggs don’t freeze well. When ready to enjoy, thaw patties and gravy overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the beef patties and gravy gently on the stove over low heat to keep them juicy. Warm the rice in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Fry fresh eggs just before serving to preserve their perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be substituted for a leaner option, though the patties might be a bit less juicy. Adding a bit of oil or moisture during cooking helps maintain tenderness.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the beef patties with plant-based patties or grilled portobello mushrooms and use vegetarian gravy to keep the Loco Moco vibe while accommodating dietary preferences.
What type of rice is best for Loco Moco?
Short-grain white rice or medium-grain rice works best because of their slightly sticky texture that holds the dish together beautifully when topped with gravy and eggs.
Can I make the brown gravy from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade brown gravy made from beef drippings, broth, flour, and seasonings really elevates the dish’s flavor and is worth the extra effort if you have time.
How do I get the eggs perfect every time?
Use medium heat when frying your eggs and avoid flipping them. Cook until the whites are set but yolks remain runny; covering the pan briefly can help set whites without overcooking yolks.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Loco Moco Recipe, it will surely become one of your go-to comfort meals that is both simple and incredibly satisfying. It’s a wonderful way to bring a taste of Hawaiian hospitality into your own home with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. So go ahead and give it a try—you might just find yourself craving it again and again!
Print
Loco Moco Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
Loco Moco is a classic Hawaiian comfort food featuring juicy ground beef patties served over steamed white rice, topped with fried eggs and rich brown gravy. This hearty and satisfying dish combines simple ingredients with straightforward cooking techniques, making it perfect for a tasty 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. Once cooked, let the rice steam to achieve a fluffy texture.
- Make Beef Patties: Shape the ground beef into evenly sized patties. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the patties until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Fry the Eggs: In the same skillet used for the patties, fry the eggs sunny-side up. Cook until the whites are fully set but the yolks remain runny.
- Prepare the Gravy: If using homemade gravy, prepare it at this stage. Otherwise, warm store-bought brown gravy until hot.
- Assemble the Loco Moco: On each plate, place a bed of cooked white rice. Top each with a beef patty, followed by a sunny-side-up egg. Pour warm brown gravy generously over the stack and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use 80% lean ground beef for a juicy patty with good flavor and texture.
- Sunny-side up eggs provide a creamy yolk that enhances the dish; cook eggs longer for firmer yolks if desired.
- Brown gravy can be homemade or store-bought; add sautéed mushrooms or onions for extra flavor.
- Make sure rice is hot and steamed properly for the best base.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gravy separately for best texture.
