Hawaiian Loco Moco (25 Minutes)

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Hawaiian Loco Moco is a beloved and iconic dish from the beautiful islands of Hawaii. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that typically consists of a bed of steamed white rice, topped with a juicy hamburger patty, a sunny-side-up egg, and smothered in rich and savory gravy. This fusion of flavors and textures creates a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any time of the day. Let’s begin!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 cups cooked white rice
  • Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish

For the gravy:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide the beef into four equal portions and shape them into thick patties.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the hamburger patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute, until it forms a smooth paste.
  4. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Stir in the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat.
  5. While the gravy is simmering, cook the eggs sunny-side-up in a separate non-stick skillet. Cook them until the whites are set but the yolks are still slightly runny.
  6. To assemble the Loco Moco, place a scoop of cooked white rice on a plate. Add a hamburger patty and a generous scoop of gravy. Top with a sunny-side-up egg and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add diced onions and minced garlic to the ground beef mixture before shaping it into patties. When cooking the hamburger patties, avoid pressing them down with a spatula as it can cause them to lose their juiciness. Allow them to cook undisturbed for the best results. Cook the eggs sunny-side-up so that the yolk adds a luscious and creamy element to the dish. Feel free to customize your Loco Moco by adding additional toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, or a drizzle of hot sauce. Serve the Loco Moco hot and enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 870mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Cholesterol: 225mg

Pair this with...

Sautéed Mushrooms

Start by cleaning your mushrooms — whether it's button, cremini, or shiitake — with a damp paper towel. Avoid washing them, as mushrooms soak up water easily. Slice them uniformly to ensure even cooking. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter or heat a bit of olive oil. Add in the sliced mushrooms, spreading them out to avoid overcrowding. Let them cook without stirring for a few minutes to get a nice sear, then give them a toss. As they release their natural juices and start to brown, season with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic (minced or powdered) for added flavor. Continue to cook until the mushrooms are tender and flavorful. Finish off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme if desired.

Fried Plantains

Begin with some fresh plantains — the firmer, the better. First, peel them then cut the plantains into 1-inch thick slices. Heat a good amount of oil (like canola or vegetable) in a skillet over medium-high heat. When it's hot, carefully add the plantain slices. Fry them until they're golden on both sides, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels. Here's the fun part: while they're still warm, smash them lightly with the bottom of a jar or cup. Then, fry the smashed slices again until they're golden and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side. Sprinkle with a little salt while they're still hot, and you're set!

Homemade Unsweetened Iced Tea

Begin by choosing a quality black, green, or herbal tea – your preference will set the tone. Bring a pot of fresh water to a gentle boil and steep your tea bags or loose leaves, letting the tea brew a bit stronger than if you were making it hot, as it will mellow when chilled. Once you’ve achieved that deep, aromatic infusion, remove the tea and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer your tea to a pitcher and pop it into the fridge to cool down and intensify the flavors. When serving, fill a glass with ice cubes, pour over the chilled tea, and maybe add a slice of lemon or sprig of mint for a touch of flair.

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!