Why You’ll Love this Hawaiian Loco Moco
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food with a Hawaiian twist, this Loco Moco recipe will quickly become your new favorite. I’m talking about a hearty stack of white rice topped with a juicy burger patty, rich gravy, and a perfectly runny egg. What could be better?
I love how this dish combines simple ingredients into something truly magical. The savory beef patty with grated onions adds depth, while that homemade gravy (with those pan drippings!) takes it to another level.
And when you break that sunny-side-up egg? Pure bliss as the yolk mingles with everything else.
What Ingredients are in Hawaiian Loco Moco?
For this ultimate Hawaiian comfort food, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that come together to create something magical. The beauty of Loco Moco is how it transforms basic pantry and refrigerator staples into a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Each component—from the savory burger to the rich gravy—plays an essential role in creating that perfect bite.
- 1 pound ground hamburger
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
- Flour for thickening the gravy
- 1 tablespoon butter
- A couple dashes of Worcestershire sauce
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups cooked white rice (medium grain preferred)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters—especially for the hamburger, which forms the foundation of the dish. Look for ground beef with about 80-85% lean meat for the juiciest results. And while the recipe is pretty straightforward, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Some variations include adding a bit of garlic powder to the burger patties or a splash of soy sauce to the gravy for an extra umami kick. The eggs should ideally be at room temperature before cooking, as this helps them cook more evenly and creates that perfect sunny-side up egg with the runny yolk that’s characteristic of an authentic Loco Moco.
How to Make this Hawaiian Loco Moco
Creating a perfect Loco Moco starts with the burger patties, the foundation of this hearty Hawaiian staple. Gently mix 1 pound of hamburger with 1/4 cup of grated onion, and season with salt and pepper to taste. The key word here is “gently”—overworking the meat will make your patties tough rather than tender.
Form either two generous patties for hungry appetites or four smaller ones if you’re feeding more people. Heat your frying pan until it’s properly hot (you want that satisfying sizzle when the meat hits the surface), then sear the patties until juices begin appearing on top before flipping. You’re aiming for that magical balance: slightly charred exterior with a tender, juicy interior. For perfect doneness, use a high end thermometer to ensure your patties reach 160°F for food safety while remaining juicy.
Once cooked, set them aside while you work on the gravy. The gravy is where all that beautiful flavor comes together. Using the same pan (because why waste those delicious browned bits?), pour in a splash of your 14-ounce can of beef broth to deglaze, scraping up all those flavor-packed bits stuck to the pan.
Then add the remaining broth and bring it to a boil, allowing it to reduce for 3-5 minutes to concentrate the flavor. Lower the heat to a simmer, add a couple dashes of Worcestershire sauce for depth, then prepare a quick slurry with flour and water in a separate bowl. Slowly whisk this mixture into your simmering broth until you achieve that perfect gravy consistency—thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable.
Finish by turning off the heat and stirring in 1 tablespoon of butter until beautifully incorporated. To complete your Loco Moco, you need perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs and a bed of rice.
For the eggs, the secret is low, slow cooking—this gives you that ideal combination of set whites with gloriously runny yolks that will blend with your gravy. Remember that room-temperature eggs cook more evenly than cold ones straight from the fridge. Meanwhile, prepare 2 cups of hot cooked medium-grain white rice—the traditional choice for authentic Loco Moco.
When plating, start with a generous scoop of rice (about three scoops per plate), top with a burger patty, carefully place a sunny-side-up egg on top, and then lavish it all with that rich, homemade gravy. For an even more authentic Hawaiian experience, consider using a premium meat grinder to freshly grind your hamburger meat for optimal texture and flavor. The beauty of this dish is watching the yolk break and mingle with the gravy, creating a sauce that’s simply transcendent.
Hawaiian Loco Moco Substitutions and Variations
While traditional Loco Moco follows a time-honored formula, the beauty of this Hawaiian comfort dish lies in its adaptability.
I love suggesting protein swaps like spam, Portuguese sausage, or even grilled fish for a lighter version. Vegetarians can use plant-based patties without sacrificing flavor.
The gravy offers endless possibilities too. Try mushroom gravy for earthiness or curry gravy for a fusion twist.
Can’t do eggs? Avocado provides that creamy texture you’re craving.
For the base, brown rice or quinoa works wonderfully for a healthier option.
Or go wild and serve it over fried rice. Who says comfort food can’t evolve with our tastes?
What to Serve with Hawaiian Loco Moco
Although Loco Moco is certainly hearty enough to stand alone as a meal, I’ve found that a few complementary side dishes can elevate this Hawaiian comfort food to new heights.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a rejuvenating contrast to the richness of the gravy and egg.
Pickled vegetables, particularly kimchi or Japanese-style pickled cucumber, cut through the savory elements beautifully.
For a true island experience, consider adding a side of fresh pineapple chunks or a small portion of Hawaiian macaroni salad—creamy, cool, and the perfect companion to this iconic dish.
Isn’t balance what makes a meal memorable?
Final Thoughts
The Loco Moco stands as one of Hawaii’s most beloved contributions to comfort food culture.
There’s something magical about that combination of fluffy rice, juicy burger patty, rich gravy, and runny egg that just satisfies the soul. I’m convinced it’s the ultimate hangover cure, too—not that I’m suggesting you need one, of course.
What makes this dish special is its beautiful simplicity.
You don’t need fancy techniques or rare ingredients, just honest cooking and a hearty appetite. Don’t you think the best recipes are often the most straightforward? Much like a traditional chicken noodle soup, this dish combines protein and comforting carbs in perfect harmony.
Pure comfort on a plate.
Like a good homemade chicken soup, sometimes the best meals are the ones that bring warmth and satisfaction without complicated steps or ingredients.
