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.