Loco Moco
Loco Moco is a hearty Hawaiian comfort food featuring savory beef patties, fluffy eggs, and rich gravy served over rice, perfect for satisfying cravings and feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together ground beef, 1 egg, half of the dry onion soup mix, 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce, pepper, garlic powder, and moistened bread slices.
- Shape the mixture into 4 patties.
- Cook the patties in a large skillet until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside, leaving any drippings in the skillet.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Combine flour with the remaining dry soup mix and add to the skillet.
- Stir in 3 cups water and bring to a boil.
- Add bouillon cubes and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly until the gravy reaches desired thickness.
- While gravy simmers, fry the remaining 4 eggs sunny-side up or over easy in another skillet and set aside.
- Place a generous amount of cooked white rice into each of 4 bowls.
- Top each bowl with a hamburger patty.
- Place one fried egg on top of each patty.
- Cover the rice, hamburger, and egg with the brown gravy generously.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like green onions or cilantro on top before serving. For a healthier version, replace half the ground beef with ground turkey or use whole grain bread instead of white. You can also substitute the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. Use leftover rice from another meal, as it works great in this dish, making it easy to prepare.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Loco Moco with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with Rice Consomm for a complete meal. You can also offer additional toppings like sriracha or hoisin sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat or sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it's best to warm the rice and gravy separately in the microwave or on the stove to maintain texture. Frying fresh eggs just before serving can elevate the dish and keep it feeling fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Loco Moco contains roughly 1201 calories, with 54g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (108% of the Daily Value), iron (89% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2371mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Loco Moco ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hamburger patties and gravy in advance. Cook the patties and store them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat the patties and gravy while frying fresh eggs to assemble the dish.
What type of rice is best for Loco Moco?
Traditionally, Loco Moco is served with white rice, but you can use jasmine or short-grain rice for a stickier texture. Ude Rice is also an excellent option for marinated dishes, complementing the flavors well.
Can I use other proteins besides beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure all proteins are cooked through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).