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    Home » Recipes

    Mar 15, 2022 · Modified: Jan 27, 2023 by Carita · This post may contain affiliate links · 19 Comments

    How To Make Hawaiian Loco Moco Recipe

    Get a taste of traditional Hawaiian food and learn how to Make Hawaiian Loco Moco Recipe!

    This comfort dish is made with love starting with a bed of sticky rice topped with a hamburger, topped with gravy and a runny egg.

    If you like this recipe, you will love Spam Loco Moco!

    Loco Moco Recipe in a white shallow bowl. A mound of rice in an oval/circular shape is topped with brown gravy, hamburger patty and topped with a sunny side up egg. Dish is topped with chopped green onions and in the background out of focus are two wooden bowls stacked with extra white rice (on the left) and on the right images of dark pink flowers.
    Loco Moco Recipe

    WHAT IS LOCO MOCO?

    Loco Moco is a traditional Hawaiian dish. There are several variations such as Spam Loco Moco, but the original consists of white rice topped with a hamburger, brown gravy and a fried egg.

    Loco Moco can be paired with various toppings such as shrimp, sausage, bacon, tofu, teriyaki beef and chicken and other meats.

    THE HISTORY OF LOCO MOCO

    Created in the 1940's, this local dish was said to have started from diners who requested a dish they could afford. Either at Cafe 100 or the Lincoln Grill in Hilo, Hawaii, is where the first dish was created and prepared.

    To learn more about Loco Moco and its history, click here!

    Loco Moco Recipe in a white shallow bowl with top down angle viewing the image from "above". Dark pink flowers and a wooden bowl with chopped green onions added for styling purposes.
    Loco Moco Recipe

    WHAT DOES LOCO MOCO TASTE LIKE?

    The thick juicy beef burger patty is the star of this show. In a lot of traditional dishes, steak and gravy is served so expect flavors similar to that if you have had that combination.

    There are some additional flavors added to this recipe such as soy sauce and browning seasoning sauce to really make the dish quite rich.

    The addition of the runny egg sets this dish a part and allows for a massive flavor train of hearty beefy goodness.

    Loco Moco Recipe in a white shallow bowl. A mound of rice in an oval/circular shape is topped with brown gravy, hamburger patty and topped with a sunny side up egg. Dish is topped with chopped green onions and in the background out of focus are two wooden bowls stacked with extra white rice (on the left) and on the right images of dark pink flowers.
    Loco Moco Recipe

    WHAT RICE PAIRS BEST WITH THIS DISH?

    Traditionally, sticky white rice is prepared with this dish. In this recipe, short grain rice is used and prepared in a method where the water cooks out, forming a sticky consistency. The rice is then the perfect consistency to hold with the rich onion, mushroom and beef gravy.

    If you have short or medium grain rice, that will work best but any rice of your choice is fine too!

    INGREDIENTS FOR RECIPE

    As mentioned, this recipe rings true to traditional style foods. With that said, you will need simple, staple household ingredients. Here is what you will need:

    Loco Moco recipe ingredients in various sized clear and white bowls. Ground beef is in the center in a clear bowl, small white bowls filled with seasoning blend, egg, Worcestershire, liquid smoke and breadcrumbs.
    Loco Moco Recipe Beef Patty Ingredients

    For the Burger Patty

    1. Ground Beef
    2. Garlic Powder
    3. Onion Powder
    4. Salt
    5. Pepper
    6. Egg
    7. Liquid Smoke
    8. Breadcrumbs
    9. Oil

    INGREDIENTS FOR LOCO MOCO GRAVY

    Ultimately, the gravy could undoubtedly be the star of this recipe. Nothing tops a homemade from scratch recipe such as traditional brown gravy. Perhaps this recipe needs its own blog post.

    If you are substituting anything in this recipe, do not omit preparing the gravy as listed in this post. Here is what you will need:

    Loco Moco Gravy recipe ingredients in small yellow and white bowls. Water is in a clear measuring glass and additional ingredients are in a circular motion beginning with browning sauce and ending with onion.
    Loco Moco Gravy Recipe Ingredients
    1. Garlic
    2. Onion 
    3. Mushrooms
    4. Flour
    5. Salted Butter 
    6. Water 
    7. Soy Sauce
    8. Beef Bouillon
    9. Browning Seasoning Sauce
    10. Salt 
    11. Pepper 
    Recipe ingredient: Browning and Seasoning Sauce Bottle. Brown bottle with yellow labeling and top with seasoning label written in red and white reading, "Kitchen Bouquet".
    Browning and Seasoning Sauce Bottle

    Additional Ingredients

    1. Short Grain Rice
    2. Sunny Side Up Eggs
    3. Rice Seasoning/Furikake
    4. Green Onions
    Loco Moco additional ingredients image. Clear bowl of short grain white rice, wooden bowl with chopped green onion and two eggs.
    Loco Moco- Additional Ingredients

    HOW TO MAKE LOCO MOCO BURGER PATTIES

    First, prepare the burger patties as this will be the most time-consuming portion of the recipe. It is important to note, you should also begin preparing rice as a first step so the ingredients will be ready simultaneously.

    In a large mixing bowl, add burger patty ingredients beginning with ground beef and ending with breadcrumbs. Then, mix thoroughly until ingredients are combined. Now, separate ground beef into four even sections.

    Carefully roll burger mixture into balls and set aside. Meanwhile, in a large skillet (preferably a cast iron skillet), add oil and turn the heat to medium/high.

    Loco Moco Recipe with three ground beef patties covered in brown gravy in a black cast iron skillet.
    Loco Moco Hamburger Patties

    How to Cook Burger Patties

    At this instant, add the burger balls to the pan and lightly smash burgers into patties. It is important to note, the heat should be fairly high, and the burgers should sizzle and release smoke.

    Allow the patties to cook for five minutes on one side being careful not to disturb the patties. Flip patties and sear an additional four minutes being careful not to disturb the patties.

    Finally, remove the patties from the heat (will not be cooked through) and set aside until further use.

    HOW TO MAKE LOCO MOCO VIDEO

    Loco Moco Recipe Video

    HOW TO MAKE LOCO MOCO GRAVY

    As mentioned, the gravy is top tier and possibly the star of this recipe. It is rich in beef flavor and pairs well with the sticky rice, beef patty and sunny side up egg.

    In the same skillet used to cook hamburger patties, add garlic, onion, mushrooms and sauté. If needed, add a small amount of oil (one tsp) so the veggies will not stick to the pan.

    Next, sauté vegetable and garlic mixture until soft and translucent. Next, carefully sprinkle in the flour and whisk for about one minute. It is important to note that it is helpful to actually time this portion of the recipe!

    Loco Moco Brown Gravy Recipe in a black cast iron skillet on a gas stove.
    Loco Moco Gravy

    How to Prepare the Roux for Loco Moco Gravy

    Now, add butter and continue to whisk, stirring constantly for about two minutes or until flour cooks out. Then, slowly pour in water and whisk simultaneously.

    Quickly pour in soy sauce, bouillon and browning seasoning sauce. Continue to whisk and allow gravy to reduce and thicken. (About five minutes) Adjust flavor to your taste adding salt and pepper if needed.

    Now, add par cooked burger patties back into the gravy, cover and let simmer on low for ten to fifteen minutes until burger patties are cooked through to your desired temperature.

    Loco Moco Recipe in a white shallow bowl. A mound of rice in an oval/circular shape is topped with brown gravy, hamburger patty and topped with a sunny side up egg. Dish is topped with chopped green onions and in the background out of focus are two wooden bowls stacked with extra white rice (on the left) and on the right images of dark pink flowers.
    Loco Moco Recipe Zoomed

    HOW TO PLATE THIS DISH

    Finally, we are close to enjoying delicious Hawaiian Loco Moco. Here is the best way to plate the dish as seen in this blog post.

    Using a small or ramekin sized bowl, add the cooked sticky rice to the bowl. This will help to mold the rice into a circular shape for best presentation purposes. Certainly, you don't have to do this but give it a try if you have the time!

    Quickly poor the warm gravy over the rice and add the beef patty on top. Lastly, top the Loco Moco with the sunny side up egg and garnish with chopped green onions.

    Loco Moco Recipe in a white shallow bowl. A mound of rice in an oval/circular shape is topped with brown gravy, hamburger patty and topped with a sunny side up egg. Dish is topped with chopped green onions and in the background out of focus are two wooden bowls stacked with extra white rice (on the left) and on the right images of dark pink flowers.
    Loco Moco Recipe

    WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE!

    Hawaiian Loco Moco can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner! While this dish is not necessarily "healthy", it rings true to traditional comfort foods that most still enjoy periodically.

    My Great Aunt Thelma lived in Honolulu, Hawaii for over twenty years and this recipe reminds me so much of her. As I have shared in other blog posts, food connects me mostly with memories and I am so happy to share this recipe in honor of her!

    If you like this recipe, you will love Spam Loco Moco!

    Loco Moco Recipe in a white shallow bowl. A mound of rice in an oval/circular shape is topped with brown gravy, hamburger patty and topped with a sunny side up egg. Dish is topped with chopped green onions and in the background out of focus are two wooden bowls stacked with extra white rice (on the left) and on the right images of dark pink flowers.

    How To Make Hawaiian Loco Moco Recipe

    Carita
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, Hawaiian, Japanese
    Servings 4 people

    Ingredients
      

    Burger Patty

    • 1 lb Ground Beef
    • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
    • 1 tsp Onion Powder
    • 1 tsp Salt
    • 1 teaspoon Pepper
    • 1 small Egg
    • ½ teaspoon Liquid Smoke
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
    • 1 tablespoon Breadcrumbs
    • 1 tsp Oil

    Loco Moco Gravy

    • 1 tablespoon Garlic
    • ½ cup Onion thinly sliced
    • ½ cup Mushrooms
    • 2 tablespoon Flour
    • 2 tablespoon Butter salted
    • 1 cup Water plus ½ cup if needed
    • 2 tsp Soy Sauce
    • 1 teaspoon Beef Bouillon
    • 2 teaspoon Browning Seasoning Sauce
    • Salt to taste
    • Pepper to taste

    Additional Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoon Green Onion
    • 1.5 cups Rice short grain or jasmine
    • 2-4 Sunny Side Up Eggs

    Instructions
     

    Burger Patty

    • In a large mixing bowl, add burger patty ingredients beginning with ground beef and ending with breadcrumbs.
    • Mix thoroughly until ingredients are thoroughly combined.
    • Separate ground beef into four even sections.
    • Carefully roll burger mixture into balls.
    • In a large skillet (preferably a cast iron skillet), add oil and turn heat to medium/high heat.
    • Add burger balls to the pan and lightly smash burgers into patties.
    • Let patties cook for five minutes on one side being careful not to disturb the patties.
    • Flip patties and sear an additional four minutes being careful not to disturb the patties.
    • Remove patties from heat (will not be cooked through) and set aside until gravy is complete.

    Loco Moco Gravy

    • In the same skillet used to cook hamburger patties, add garlic, onion and mushrooms and sauté. If needed, add a small amount of oil (one tsp) if needed.
    • Sauté vegetable and garlic mixture until soft and translucent.
    • Sprinkle in flour and whisk for about one minute.
    • Add butter and continue to whisk, stirring constantly for about two minutes or until flour cooks out.
    • Slowly pour in water and whisk simultaneously.
    • Pour in soy sauce, bouillon and browning seasoning sauce.
    • Continue to whisk and allow gravy to reduce and thicken. (about five minutes)
    • Adjust flavor to your taste adding salt and pepper if needed.
    • Add par cooked burger patties back into the gravy, cover and let simmer on low for ten to fifteen minutes until burger patties are cooked through to your liking.
    • Serve over white rice and top with a runny/sunny side up egg.
    • Enjoy!
    Keyword Hawaiian Loco Moco, Loco Moco, Loco Moco Recipe

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Wilma Mathis says

      March 15, 2022 at 2:10 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my!! What an interesting concept with this recipe!! I can almost smell this combination. My mouth has started to water. I love the easy step by step parts of this post. On my next grocer stop, I will make sure to get these ingredients!!

      Reply
      • Carita says

        March 15, 2022 at 5:20 pm

        Come back and let me know how you like it. I think you will LOVE it! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Deborah Braswell says

      March 15, 2022 at 2:44 pm

      Seasoned to Taste! I’m having trouble getting back in the kitchen these days. These different recipes are inspiring. Thank you for sharing with us! Good For You!!

      Reply
      • Carita says

        March 15, 2022 at 5:21 pm

        So happy to hear this. Thanks for stopping by!:)

        Reply
    3. shirley carey says

      March 15, 2022 at 2:45 pm

      5 stars
      This looks sooo delicious. Your presentation is always beautiful. I’m getting these ingredients today and going out of my comfort zone and trying it tonight. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Carita says

        March 15, 2022 at 5:21 pm

        Thanks for checking out the recipe. Let me know how it turns out if you try it! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Loretta Gordon says

      March 15, 2022 at 3:02 pm

      Loco Moco ! Awesome dish!❤️Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Carita says

        March 15, 2022 at 5:22 pm

        Thank you so much, thanks for checking out the recipe!

        Reply
    5. Tamara Epps says

      March 15, 2022 at 4:32 pm

      5 stars
      😍😍 so, I’ve been following for a while and thought I would cook this for my brothers as they both love a burger with a runny egg. They definitely approve and you have got to try this!!!! Soooooooooooo good!

      Reply
      • Carita says

        March 15, 2022 at 5:22 pm

        Yay! So happy to hear this. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Andretta says

      March 15, 2022 at 4:52 pm

      This looks so delicious, can't wait to try it.
      Thank you for sharing this recipe and other, love what you are doing.
      Keep on cooking!

      Reply
      • Carita says

        March 15, 2022 at 5:22 pm

        Thank you and thanks for stopping by! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Brandon Jones says

      March 15, 2022 at 5:11 pm

      5 stars
      Wow. Definitely a show stopped. Quick n convenient. Easy because I already had the ingredients. Will make this again

      Reply
      • Carita says

        March 15, 2022 at 5:23 pm

        So happy you tried the recipe! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Tina Ross says

      March 15, 2022 at 11:36 pm

      I can't wait to try the hamburger Loco Moco. Looks yummy 😋

      Reply
    9. Bernie says

      June 01, 2022 at 3:46 am

      5 stars
      Carita I’m determined to try everyones’ version of Loco Moco on the internet. Your recipe with liquid smoke gave the burger a taste of an outdoor grill which makes this recipe one to come back to over and over again.

      Reply
      • Carita says

        June 04, 2022 at 11:08 am

        So happy to hear that! Over the years, I just haven't had access to a grill yet and adding the liquid smoke definitely takes it up a notch! Thx for trying the recipe. 🙂

        Reply
    10. Barb says

      February 24, 2023 at 5:53 am

      5 stars
      I love this recipe! The only thing I didn’t have was liquid smoke however there was so much flavour in the meat and gravy I didn’t miss it. Highly recommend!

      Reply
      • Carita says

        March 01, 2023 at 2:46 pm

        Thanks so much for the feedback. The liquid smoke is certainly optional and adds a bbq-style flavor. So glad you enjoyed. 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Carita a true southern girl at heart. My love for cooking started as a child watching my grandmothers cook with such ease in the kitchen. Creating delicious meals doesn't always require hours in the kitchen. I have taken all that I've learned and work to develop simplified versions of staple recipes for you to share with family and friends!

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