Loco Moco Recipe is a simple, memorable dish from the Big Island of Hawaii, made with fluffy steamed rice, a seasoned hamburger patty, a fried egg, and savoury brown gravy. It’s believed the name came from Crazy George, a gym member known for his wild sports play. This hearty dish is a family favourite that can easily feed three grown-ups.
Loco Moco is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s always tasty and comforting with a mushroom sauce or classic gravy. Whether serving it to kids or adults, the sunny-side egg and stacked layers of rice and beef make it fun to eat.
Loco Moco has a fun backstory: the word moco translates to snot in English, which may be the reason behind its name. Despite this, it’s a hearty, satisfying dish, perfect for quick meals and family gatherings. It’s sure to become a favourite, especially for loco moco fans who love a good hamburger patty on top of their rice.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Loco Moco Recipe
To make the perfect Loco Moco, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Sweet onion(optional)
- Mushrooms(optional)
- Green onions
- Rice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Shoyu
- Ketchup
- Garlic powder
- Seasoning salt
- Cornstarch(optional)
How to Make a Loco Moco
Beef Preparation
For a great loco moco, start with an 80/20 ground chuck for the perfect lean-to-fat ratio. The lean meat and fat make the patties juicy and flavorful. You can choose grass-fed cow beef for a more natural taste or grain-fed cow if you prefer a sweeter and richer flavour.
Patty Formation and Cooking
Form the patty using your hands, freestyle, or use circular stencils for uniformity. Make the patty larger to prevent shrinkage while fried or grilled. Season with soy, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, and adjust seasonings after tasting a small portion for taste.
Gravy Creation and Final Touches
Cook the patty in a large frying pan with a small amount of oil for 3-4 minutes until browned. For the gravy, sauté mushrooms, stir in flour to make a roux, and add beef stock. Place the cooked patties into the gravy topped with a fried egg and serve over steamed rice, garnished with scallions.
Why Loco Moco is Perfect for Any Meal
Loco moco isn’t just for dinner; it’s a comforting meal that works for breakfast, brunch, or even as a late-night snack. The combination of steamed rice, a juicy beef patty, and savoury gravy makes it a satisfying and versatile option for any time of the day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a quick meal for yourself, loco moco is an easy crowd-pleaser.
Variations on Loco Moco
While the classic loco moco features beef patties, gravy, and a fried egg, feel free to get creative! You can swap the beef for chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian patty for a different twist. Add toppings like avocado or cheese for extra flavour and richness. Experiment with brown rice for a healthier version, or use a poached egg instead of a fried one if you prefer a softer texture.
Make Ahead and Store for Later
- Make-ahead: Prepare hamburger patties in gravy and keep them on very low simmering heat, keeping warm for up to 2 hours.
- Storage: Store the beef and gravy in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and keep steamed rice You can also freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Add beef and gravy to a saucepan, and heat on low heat until it’s hot. Reheat the steamed rice in the microwave.
- Leftovers: Assembled patties can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours, and leftovers in an airtight container for 4 days.
Wrapping Up
Loco moco is a hearty, versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you’re making it with classic beef patties, a savoury gravy, and a fried egg, or tweaking the recipe to suit your tastes, this meal is sure to satisfy. With its rich flavours and easy-to-follow steps, loco moco is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting tradition that brings everyone together at the table.
People also ask
- What is Loco Moco sauce made of?
Loco Moco sauce is typically made of brown gravy, often with soy sauce, butter, and beef stock. - How to make a moco?
To make a moco, cook a hamburger patty, place it on a bowl of white rice, top with a fried egg, and drizzle with brown gravy. - What does Loco Moco stand for?
Loco Moco is a Hawaiian dish, and the name loosely translates to “crazy mix” or “crazy combo,” reflecting the blend of ingredients. - Why is Loco Moco so good?
Loco Moco is so good because it’s a comforting, hearty meal with a combination of savoury, rich flavours from the beef patty, egg, gravy, and rice.
Ingredients
Method
- Use 80/20 ground chuck for juicy and flavorful patties. You can use grass-fed beef for a more natural taste or grain-fed beef for a sweeter flavor.
- Form patties to be larger than usual to prevent shrinkage while frying or grilling. Season with Worcestershire sauce, shoyu, garlic powder, and seasoning salt. Taste a small portion and adjust seasonings. Cook patties in a frying pan with a bit of oil for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
- In the same pan, sauté mushrooms. Stir in flour to make a roux, and gradually add beef stock. Add cornstarch if you like a thicker gravy. Place cooked patties in the gravy.
- Fry eggs sunny-side up. Place a patty on a serving of steamed rice, top with a fried egg, and pour gravy over it. Garnish with chopped green onions.