Loco Moco Hawaiian Lunch Favorite

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Loco Moco brings classic Hawaiian comfort with a harmonious combination of juicy beef patties, fluffy rice, and velvety brown gravy, topped with a sunny-side up egg. Every bite delivers richness and hearty flavor balanced by umami notes from soy sauce and Worcestershire, perfect for a satisfying lunch. Easily customizable with extra gravy or garnished green onions, this beloved dish delivers warmth and island spirit. Serve alongside macaroni salad or greens for a complete meal that's both simple and delicious.

Casey
Updated on Fri, 27 Jun 2025 23:23:37 GMT
A fried egg on top of a piece of meat. Pin it
A fried egg on top of a piece of meat. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Loco Moco brings true Hawaiian comfort to your kitchen with its juicy beef patty resting on fluffy white rice, all generously covered in savory brown gravy and topped with a perfectly runny fried egg. This is a dish made for deep hunger and cozy cravings, and captures the Aloha spirit in every bite.

The first time I tried making Loco Moco at home, I was amazed how something so simple could become such a showstopper at the table. It quickly became my favorite rainy day meal.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: with at least twenty percent fat content creates juicy patties with extra flavor. Pick beef with fresh red color and avoid any gray spots
  • Small onion: adds soft sweetness and savor. Choose one with tight skin and no soft spots
  • Garlic clove: gives a deep aromatic base. Use plump firm cloves for best results
  • Soy sauce: seasons and brings umami. Opt for naturally brewed types if you can
  • Salt and black pepper: round out the flavors. Fresh cracked pepper makes a difference
  • Vegetable oil: is for pan frying the patties for a golden crust
  • Butter: creates richness and a smooth base for the gravy. Go for a good quality, unsalted type
  • All-purpose flour: thickens the gravy to a silky texture. Check for freshness and avoid any lumps
  • Beef broth: brings depth to the gravy. Homemade or low sodium boxed is ideal
  • Worcestershire sauce: adds complexity with a savory tang
  • White rice: gives a neutral fluffy base. Short or medium grains absorb the gravy beautifully. Cook the rice just before serving for best texture
  • Eggs: provide the creamy crown. Fresh eggs with bright yolks make the plate sing
  • Chopped green onions or parsley: offer color and freshness on top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix and Shape the Patties:
In a large bowl blend ground beef onion garlic soy sauce salt and pepper with your hands until just combined. Form into two thick patties without compacting the meat too tightly. This keeps them tender.
Sear the Patties:
Heat vegetable oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Place patties in the pan and let them brown for four to five minutes on each side until they develop a deep crust and are cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Do not clean out the pan you want those brown bits for the gravy.
Prepare the Gravy:
Add butter to the same skillet over medium heat and scrape up any flavor bits. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for one to two minutes to form a bubbly roux with a pale golden color. Slowly pour in beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce and let simmer for about three to four minutes. Stir frequently until the gravy thickens and becomes glossy. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Fry the Eggs:
In a separate nonstick pan heat butter or a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Crack eggs into the pan and gently fry until the whites are set but yolks are still runny. For classic Loco Moco keep the yolks sunny side up.
Assemble and Serve:
Spoon a generous mound of hot rice onto each plate. Place a beef patty on top. Pour the rich brown gravy over the patty making sure some seeps over the rice. Gently land a fried egg on each serving. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onion or parsley for color.
A fried egg on top of a piece of meat. Pin it
A fried egg on top of a piece of meat. | cookingwithcasey.com

My personal favorite part is the savory homemade gravy soaking into the hot rice. My family always asks for a double batch of gravy. The first time I made this my dad went back for seconds before anyone else was done.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool before storing. Keep rice beef patties and gravy separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the gravy on the stove with a splash of water to loosen it. Reheat the rice and beef gently in the microwave. Fry eggs fresh when ready to serve again for that classic texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken works well in place of beef for a lighter dish. Gluten free flour can replace regular flour in the gravy. Low sodium soy sauce keeps flavors from getting too salty. If you want to skip the egg try topping with sautéed mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a classic Hawaiian macaroni salad or a crisp green salad to keep things light. I love adding a side of sliced fresh pineapple for a sweet tangy contrast. Offer extra hot sauce or sriracha at the table for a little island heat.

Loco Moco’s Hawaiian Roots

Loco Moco was born in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii in the late 1940s as an affordable filling meal for hungry surfers and students. Over decades it has become an iconic plate lunch staple with a laid back spirit. Each ingredient celebrates simple comfort made for sharing. That feeling carries through every time I set out the plates at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of rice works best with Loco Moco?

Short or medium grain white rice is traditional, providing the right texture for soaking up the gravy.

→ Can I use a different meat for the patties?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version while retaining great flavor.

→ How can I make the gravy richer?

Add a splash of heavy cream into the gravy for extra richness and a silkier texture.

→ Are there serving suggestions for Loco Moco?

It pairs well with macaroni salad or a fresh green salad. Extra gravy for dipping is a favorite addition.

→ How should the egg be cooked?

Sunny-side up is classic, but eggs can be cooked to any preferred doneness for this dish.

Loco Moco Hawaiian Lunch Favorite

Island-style comfort with beef, rice, savory gravy, and a perfectly fried egg—simple, satisfying, and full of aloha.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Hawaiian

Yield: 2 Servings (2 complete plated portions)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Beef Patties

01 500g ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
02 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 1 garlic clove, minced
04 1 tablespoon soy sauce
05 Salt, to taste
06 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
07 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

→ Gravy

08 2 tablespoons butter
09 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
10 300ml beef broth
11 1 tablespoon soy sauce
12 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
13 Salt, to taste
14 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Assembly

15 2 cups cooked short or medium grain white rice
16 2 large eggs
17 1 tablespoon butter or oil
18 Chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined. Shape the mixture into 2 large, even patties.

Step 02

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until browned on the outside and cooked through. Transfer patties to a plate and keep warm.

Step 03

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a light golden roux. Gradually whisk in beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and simmer for 3–4 minutes, until thickened and smooth. Season gravy with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 04

Heat butter or oil in a clean non-stick pan over medium heat. Crack eggs into the pan and fry sunny-side up or until preferred degree of doneness.

Step 05

Divide hot cooked rice between plates. Top each portion of rice with a beef patty. Spoon generous amounts of hot gravy over the patties. Place a fried egg on top of each. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. For a richer sauce, whisk a splash of heavy cream into the gravy before serving.
  2. Ground turkey or chicken can substitute for beef to lighten the dish.
  3. Increase the quantity of gravy if desired, as it is essential to the classic experience.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Non-stick frying pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (all-purpose flour, soy sauce)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains soy
  • Contains dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 760
  • Total Fat: 36 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 68 g
  • Protein: 38 g