Best Loco Moco Hawaiian Hamburger Recipe With Gravy
This Loco Moco recipe is a Hawaiian comfort food favorite that perfectly mixes savory flavors and hearty ingredients. It features a juicy hamburger patty on a bed of fluffy white rice, drenched in a rich brown gravy, and topped with a perfectly fried egg.
Enter your information below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! Plus, you’ll get complimentary gifts!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Kim Schob.
What makes this Hawaiian Loco Moco recipe stand out is its balance of textures and flavors. The tender hamburger patty pairs beautifully with the creamy yolk of the fried egg, and the savory gravy pulls it all together with its luscious richness. Whether you want to bring some island flavor to your kitchen or need a filling meal for any time of day, this Loco Moco recipe will delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
If you are searching for more homemade burger recipes, I have a few more you might want to try out. Stick with a Hawaiian theme and try these cheeseburger sliders on Hawaiian rolls. Or, for another recipe with a sauce, try these hamburger steaks with mushroom gravy.
Still in the mood for beef recipes? Why not keep it simple with a steak and use this homemade steak seasoning to add a perfect touch of flavor!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The balance of savory hamburger patty, creamy egg yolk, and rich brown gravy creates an explosion of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatile Meal: Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Loco Moco makes a hearty and fulfilling meal for any time of the day.
- Cultural Experience: Bringing a taste of Hawaii to your kitchen, this recipe offers a unique cultural experience through its traditional and beloved combination of ingredients, bringing classic Hawaiian comfort food to the table.
What Is Loco Moco?
Loco Moco is a classic Hawaiian dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. It originated in the 1940s in Hilo, Hawaii, as an affordable, filling meal for locals. The basic components are simple but pack a punch. The dish consists of a ground beef patty on a bed of steamed white rice, topped with a sunny-side-up egg. The runny egg yolk adds a creamy touch, and it’s finished with a generous ladle of savory brown gravy that brings everything together.
The beauty of Loco Moco lies in its straightforwardness and the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The rice soaks up the tasty juices from the patty and gravy, the hamburger patty offers a meaty bite, and the egg adds a creamy richness. The gravy, usually made with beef broth, soy sauce, and onions, gives every element a deep umami flavor, comforting each bite. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or reliving a fond memory, Loco Moco promises satisfaction and a taste of Hawaiian culture.
What’s In This Loco Moco Recipe?
For the hamburger patties:
- Ground beef chuck: Rich in flavor and slightly fatty, ground beef chuck is perfect for making juicy and tender hamburger patties.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are light and airy, adding a beautiful, crispy texture to the patties while helping to bind them together.
- Large egg: This serves as a binding agent, ensuring that the patty holds its shape while also contributing to the overall richness.
- Worcestershire sauce: A fermented liquid condiment packed with umami flavor, it’s essential for giving the patties a deeper, more complex taste.
- Salt: Enhances the ingredients’ natural flavors and balances out this popular dish’s savory notes.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mild and slightly sweet garlic flavor without the moisture of fresh garlic, ensuring a consistent taste throughout.
- Onion powder: Delivers the savory essence of onions, infusing the patties with a subtle depth of flavor without the need to chop fresh onions.
- Black pepper: Adds the final touch to this recipe.
For the gravy:
- Small sweet onion: Adds a delicate sweetness and depth of flavor to the gravy without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Baby Bella mushrooms: These mushrooms have a rich, earthy flavor that enhances the umami quality of the gravy.
- Cloves garlic: Fresh garlic cloves impart a robust and aromatic flavor, elevating the overall taste of the gravy.
- Cornstarch or all-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent, giving the gravy its desired consistency.
- Beef stock: Provides a savory, rich base for the gravy, infusing it with deep beef flavor.
- Soy sauce: Contributes a salty, umami element, complementing the other savory components of the gravy.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex blend of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, enhancing the depth of the gravy.
For topping:
- Avocado oil: Ideal for frying the eggs due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, ensuring a perfectly cooked egg.
- Large eggs: The sunny-side-up eggs add a creamy richness with their runny yolks, completing the dish.
- Sliced green onions: These provide a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the rich flavors of the Loco Moco, adding a bit of color and crunch to the final presentation.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions and Additions
- Ground beef chuck: If you prefer a leaner option or don’t eat beef, try using ground turkey or chicken. Both will still provide a hearty texture and can be seasoned similarly to keep the flavor profile intact.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used as an alternative binding agent if you can’t find panko breadcrumbs.
- Worcestershire sauce: Soy sauce or tamari can be used as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce. Both will add a rich umami taste, though soy sauce will be saltier.
- Sweet onion: Yellow or white onions can be used in place of sweet onions. While the flavor may be slightly different, they will still provide the necessary depth for the gravy.
- Cornstarch or all-purpose flour: Arrowroot powder or potato starch can be used as a thickener if you need a gluten-free option.
Additions:
- Sliced mushrooms: Adding extra sliced mushrooms to the gravy enhances its earthy flavor and boosts the dish’s nutritional content.
- Bell peppers: Chopped bell peppers add a sweet and slightly crunchy texture to the hamburger patty mix and provide additional vitamins and minerals.
- Caramelized onions: For a touch of sweetness and complexity, consider adding caramelized onions to the Loco Moco. This addition can deepen the flavors and offer a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Hot sauce: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce over the finished Loco Moco can add a zesty kick.
- Pickled ginger: For an extra layer of tanginess and a nod to Hawaiian cuisine’s Japanese influences, a side of pickled ginger can complement the savory elements of the dish.
How To Make This Loco Moco Patty Recipe (step-by-step directions)
To make the hamburger patties:
- Mix the hamburger patty ingredients in a large mixing bowl until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overwork the meat. (Photos 1 & 2)
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a hamburger patty, ensuring they are about 1 1/2 inches thick for even cooking. (Photo 3)
- Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the oil. Cook the patties in the skillet for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. (Photo 4)
- Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and transfer them to a plate to rest.
To make the loco moco gravy:
- Add the onions and mushrooms to the same skillet over medium heat. Sauté for 5 minutes, until the onions are softened and browned. (Photo 5)
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. (Photo 6)
- Sprinkle cornstarch on top and stir to combine. (Photos 7 & 8)
- Pour in the beef stock, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens to your liking. If it gets too thick, add a splash or two of additional beef broth. (Photos 9 & 10)
- Reduce the heat to a low simmer to keep warm while you prepare the eggs.
To make the eggs:
- Heat another skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of oil and cook the eggs to your preferred doneness. Loco Moco they are usually prepared sunny side up with a runny yolk. (Photo 11)
- Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper, if desired. (Photo 12)
Assemble the plates:
- Serve cooked white rice on a plate and place a hamburger patty on top. (Photo 13)
- Drizzle warm gravy over the patty and rice. (Photo 14)
- Add a fried egg on top and garnish with green onions. (Photos 15 & 16)
Recipe Tips
- Avoid overmixing the meat: When combining the ingredients for the hamburger patties, be careful not to overwork the mixture, as overmixing can result in tough patties.
- Season generously: Make sure to season the meat mixture well before forming the patties. This ensures that each bite is flavorful.
- Use cold ingredients: Chill the meat and other ingredients until you are ready to cook. This helps maintain the patties’ texture and juiciness.
- Rest the patties: After cooking them, let them rest for a few minutes on a plate. This redistributes the juices, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent burger.
- Consistent patty size: Form the patties to a uniform thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents some patties from being over- or undercooked.
- Deglaze the pan: When making the gravy, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add rich, deep flavors to the gravy.
- Monitor the gravy: Stir it frequently as it thickens to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- Cook eggs last: Fry the eggs just before serving to ensure they are perfectly cooked with runny yolks, adding a creamy richness to the dish.
- Fresh garnishes: Don’t skip the green onions or other fresh garnishes—they add a bright contrast to the dish’s rich, savory elements.
Storing Tips
Allow the Loco Moco to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. If possible, store the components separately: keep the hamburger patties, gravy, and rice in different containers. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of each element. Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you plan on storing your Loco Moco longer, freezing is a great option. Again, it’s best to store the components separately. Place the cooled hamburger patties and rice in freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. Pour the gravy into a separate container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, the components can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To reheat refrigerated Loco Moco, warm the hamburger patties in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Reheat the rice in the microwave, using a microwave-safe dish and covering it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Warm the gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Serving Suggestions
When preparing Loco Moco, complementing side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Macaroni Salad: A classic Hawaiian side, macaroni salad pairs perfectly with Loco Moco. Its creamy, tangy flavors offer a wonderful contrast to the savory richness of the main dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans almondine, or bok choy can add a fresh and nutritious component to your plate, balancing the meal’s hearty elements.
- Pickled Vegetables: Adding a side of pickled vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, or radishes, provides a tangy crunch that cuts through the dish’s richness.
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Soft, buttery Hawaiian sweet rolls make an excellent accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any extra gravy.
- Coleslaw: A zesty coleslaw can bring additional crunch and a delightful vinegar-based dressing to balance the flavors of the Loco Moco.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes serve as a hearty and comforting side dish, complementing the savory flavors of Loco Moco. You can top them with butter, sour cream, or chives for added richness and flavor.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other types of meat like ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Keep in mind that different meats have varying fat contents, which may affect the texture and flavor of the patties. You might also need to adjust cooking times accordingly.
To make Loco Moco vegetarian, replace the hamburger patties with plant-based patties made from beans, lentils, tofu, or commercial meat substitutes. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the gravy, and ensure that any additional ingredients are plant-based.
Yes, you can prepare components of Loco Moco ahead of time. The hamburger patties
can be shaped and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. You can also make the gravy in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Even the rice can be cooked and kept warm or reheated when needed.
To ensure perfectly cooked eggs, use a non-stick skillet over medium heat and let it preheat before adding oil or butter. Carefully crack the eggs into the skillet and cook them undisturbed until the whites are set, but the yolks remain runny. (Covering the pan with a lid for the last minute or so can help the whites cook through without overcooking the yolks.)
Need More Ground Beef Recipes? Try These:
Best Loco Moco Hawaiian Hamburger Recipe with Gravy
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups Rice Calrose or Jasmine
For the hamburger patties:
- 2 pounds (907 ⅕ g) ground beef chuck
- ⅓ cup (20 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the gravy:
- 1 small sweet onion diced
- 8 ounce (226 ⅘ g) sliced baby bella mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch or all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (473 ⅙ ml) beef stock
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For topping:
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil divided (for frying eggs)
- 4 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
To make the hamburger patties:
- Mix the hamburger patty ingredients in a large mixing bowl until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overwork the meat.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a hamburger patty, ensuring they are about 1 ½ inches thick for even cooking.
- Preheat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the oil. Cook the patties in the skillet for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and transfer them to a plate to rest.
To make the loco moco gravy:
- Add the onions and mushrooms to the same skillet over medium heat. Sauté for 5 minutes, until the onions are softened and browned.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle cornstarch on top and stir to combine.
- Pour in the beef stock, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens to your liking. If it gets too thick, add a splash or two of additional beef broth.
- Reduce the heat to a low simmer to keep warm while you prepare the eggs.
To make the eggs:
- Heat another skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of oil and cook the eggs to your preferred doneness. For Loco Moco, they are usually prepared sunny side up with a runny yolk.
- Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Assemble the plates:
- Serve cooked white rice on a plate and place a hamburger patty on top.
- Drizzle warm gravy over the patty and rice.
- Add a fried egg on top and garnish with green onions.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the meat: When combining the ingredients for the hamburger patties, be careful not to overwork the mixture, as overmixing can result in tough patties.
- Season generously: Make sure to season the meat mixture well before forming the patties. This ensures that each bite is flavorful.
- Use cold ingredients: Chill the meat and other ingredients until you are ready to cook. This helps maintain the patties’ texture and juiciness.
- Rest the patties: After cooking them, let them rest for a few minutes on a plate. This redistributes the juices, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent burger.
- Consistent patty size: Form the patties to a uniform thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents some patties from being over- or undercooked.
- Deglaze the pan: When making the gravy, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add rich, deep flavors to the gravy.
- Monitor the gravy: Stir it frequently as it thickens to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- Cook eggs last: Fry the eggs just before serving to ensure they are perfectly cooked with runny yolks, adding a creamy richness to the dish.
- Fresh garnishes: Don’t skip the green onions or other fresh garnishes—they add a bright contrast to the dish’s rich, savory elements.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Enter your information below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! Plus, you’ll get complimentary gifts!
Nutrition Information
Hungry for more?
Follow me on Pinterest and make sure to comment below!
Or any other delicious recipes on my site? If so, please leave a ★★★★★ star rating below and a 📝 comment sharing your thoughts!
To ensure you’re not missing a thing. Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along below!
