Loco Moco Recipe Hawaii Food
Discover how to make an authentic loco moco recipe with a juicy patty, savory gravy, and perfect rice. This easy Hawaiian comfort food is a must try.
Craving a taste of Hawaii? Loco Moco is Hawaii’s ultimate comfort food. Simple, hearty, and downright delicious. This dish combines fluffy rice, a juicy beef patty, rich brown gravy, and a fried egg on top. Many households have most of the ingredients on hand already. We will walk you through how to make an easy and authentic loco moco from scratch.
What is Loco Moco Food
Loco Moco originated in Hawaii in the late 1940s. It is believed to have been created at a small cafe in Hilo to satisfy hungry teenagers looking for an affordable hearty meal. The dish quickly became a local favorite because of its simple yet satisfying ingredients.
It’s now loved for being quick to make, incredibly filling, and perfect for any meal of the day….breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Over time, variations of loco moco have emerged to suit different tastes and ingredients on hand. While the classic version features a beef patty, many enjoy swapping it for Spam, fried chicken, or even seafood like mahi-mahi or shrimp, giving the dish a fun and versatile twist while still capturing the essence of Hawaiian comfort food.
Loco Moco Ingredients
Simplistically loco moco is a mound of white rice, a seasoned beef patty, savory brown gravy, and a fried egg on top. But feel free to make it your way or follow our recommendations. Our favourite is to add diced pineapple pieces to the final dish.
Loco Moco Patty Recipe
The classic loco moco patty is made from ground beef, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. For a juicier patty use an cheaper quality ground beef with more fat to meat ratio.
If you are looking to switch things up try a pork and beef blend for a richer flavor, or go for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Feeling adventurous, then swap out the beef entirely for a Spam patty, a seafood cake made from shrimp or mahi-mahi, or even a plant based patty to create a vegetarian loco moco. Each variation adds a unique twist while keeping the dish’s comforting essence intact.
Loco Moco Gravy Recipe
The classic loco moco gravy is a rich brown gravy made by whisking together beef meat drippings, flour, and beef broth, seasoned with a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of black pepper for that deep savory flavor. For extra depth add a bit of butter or a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce.
If you are in the mood for a twist, try a mushroom and or onion gravy. Slice and saute mushrooms or onions before adding the broth, or go bold with a splash of heavy cream to make a creamier velvety version. Want a little hottness, then add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a Hawaiian remix, use a teriyaki based gravy for a sweet and salty flair or add a touch of pineapple juice for a tropical vibe.
How to make Moco Loco
Loco Moco Recipe Easy
Ingredients
- 2 cups white rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 lb ground beef (500g)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1½ cups beef broth or stock
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 large eggs
- 8 oz pineapple chunks (220g)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Combine 2 cups of rice and 3 cups of water in a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and stir in pineapple chunks. Set aside.
- Make the Patties:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until combined. Form the mixture into 4 evenly sized patties, about ¾ inch (2cm) thick.
- Cook the Patties:
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through (internal temp of 160°F/71°C). Remove patties and set aside.
- Prepare the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, with the meat juice left in, add 2 tablespoons of butter or oil. Raise to medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns light brown (this forms a roux).
- Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add soy sauce and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
- Fry the Eggs:
- Heat oil or butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Crack the eggs into the pan and fry until the edges are crispy, and the yolk is still runny (or cook to your desired doneness).
- Assemble the Loco Moco:
- Start with a generous scoop of cooked rice with pineapple as the base.
- Place a beef patty on top of the rice.
- Spoon the rich gravy over the patty, letting it drip onto the rice.
- Top with a fried egg.
- Sprinkle sliced green onions, furikake, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and flair.
- Serve hot and enjoy
Notes
The loco moco is proof that simple ingredients can create an unforgettable meal. We weren’t joking when we suggested you can eat this for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it is guaranteed to hit the spot. Now that you know how to make an authentic loco moco recipe at home and bring a bit of Hawaii to your table. Aloha and happy cooking.
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