Introducing my mouthwatering Loco Moco recipe! This Hawaiian classic, commonly found on diner menus throughout Hawaii, brings together a juicy hamburger patty, a sunny-side-up egg, all atop a bed of rice, generously smothered in a delectable beef gravy sauce. What sets my Loco Moco apart is the infusion of Japanese influence, featuring a flavorful Japanese-style hamburger patty and a well-seasoned beef gravy. It’s a fusion of two culinary traditions, making it a must-try for those seeking a unique twist on this beloved classic.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
My Loco Moco is a delightful blend of Asian Fusion and Hawaiian cuisines, with the star ingredient being a savory hamburger patty. It’s a satisfying meal that combines the flavors of juicy meat, hearty rice, and rich gravy. I made sure this dish is a comfort food lover’s dream, and it’s suitable for any time of the day. If you’re in the mood for something that tastes like a comforting hug on a plate, this recipe is for you!
No need to worry about your cooking skills, this Loco Moco is an easy and straight-forward dish to prepare! Just like my Hawaiian Spam Musubi, Spam Musubi in a Bowl and Sweet Thai Chili Mahi Mahi recipes, this Loco Moco showcases my unique approach to blending traditional tropical Hawaiian flavors with my own Japanese flavor touches. So give it a try and experience the deliciousness of Hawaii with a twist., I promise you won’t regret it!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Ground Pork – fat 20% preferred. We use a 50/50 blend of ground beef and pork to keep the patties juicy.
- Ground Beef – fat 20% preferred. We use a 50/50 blend of ground beef and pork to keep the patties juicy.
- Butter – salted or unsalted.
- Onion – yellow or brown onion.
- Garlic– freshly grated garlic.
- Panko – panko bread crumbs.
- Salt – sea salt preferred.
- Black Pepper – ground.
- Egg – beaten and whole.
- Rice – rice of choice.
- Half and Half – a blend of half heavy cream and half milk, can sub with dairy milk.
- Nutmeg – ground spice.
- Beef Broth – beef stock that comes in a can or tetra pack found at grocery stores.
- Ketchup – regular ketchup.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Worcestershire Sauce packed in a bottle. Found in grocery stores.
- Thickener – corn starch slurry or thickener of choice.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can opt for different ground meats like Chicken, Turkey, or even 100% Beef. However, be aware that using these alternatives may alter the texture of the hamburger patty, making it slightly tougher and drier. When using turkey, ensure it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Directions
Step 1 Start with making the burger patties. Combine ground pork, ground beef, grated garlic, panko, salt, black pepper, egg, half & half or dairy milk, nutmeg, and browned onions in a bowl. Use your hands to mix these ingredients and then form them into patties.
Step 2 Next, you’ll make the gravy. In a saucepan, whisk together beef stock, butter, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and your choice of thickener over medium-low heat. Allow this mixture to simmer until it reaches a rich, thick consistency, then remove from heat.
💡 Meal Prep Pro Tip
Consider making Extra Sauce and storing it in individual-sized Freezer Bags. This way, you can conveniently defrost and use it whenever you want to use the beef gravy sauce.
Step 3 As the sauce is thickening, cook your hamburger patties in a skillet coated with oil. Cover and cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side.
🌡 Internal Temperature Check
Grill the hamburger patty until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure safe consumption.
Step 4 Finally, assemble your loco moco by placing a beef patty over a bed of white rice or your rice of choice. Crown it with a fried egg and drizzle the beef brown gravy on top.
🍛 Garnishing Pro Tip
Elevate the flavor of your Loco Moco by adding toppings such as Sautéed Mushrooms, Onions, or a garnish of Green Onions.
Recipe Variations
If you’re in the mood for a Japanese twist, try my Wafu Japanese Hamburger Steak. It keeps the same delicious hamburger patty but introduces a savory ponzu sauce, infusing it with authentic Japanese flavors.
Alternatively, if you’re craving more Japanese influence, consider my Japanese Hamburg Steak. This variation maintains the base hamburger patty while drenching it in a Japanese-style demi-glace sauce, which boasts a delightful ketchup base.
Paring Recommendations
Consider serving a Broccoli Caesar Salad alongside your Loco Moco for a refreshing and crisp contrast. The combination of crunchy broccoli florets and the classic Caesar dressing is a delightful addition.
For a touch of luxury, try pairing with some Garlic Truffle Edamame, a savory treat that adds an extra layer of flavor with its truffle-infused goodness.
If you’re looking for a healthy option, a medley of steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or snap peas can provide a vibrant and nutritious pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of rice works best for Loco Moco?
Traditionally, short-grain white rice is served with loco moco. However, you can also choose brown rice for a healthier option or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. It all depends on your dietary preferences and needs.
Can I freeze the cooked hamburger patties for later use?
Yes, you can. After cooking, place them in a freezer-safe, airtight bag or container to prevent freezer burn. These frozen patties can be stored for 2-3 months. However, it's important to note that the texture of the patties may degrade compared to when they are prepared fresh.
Storage Tips
Store the sauce and hamburger patty separately in airtight containers. The sauce will keep well for 10 to 14 days in the fridge, while the hamburger patty will last between 7 to 10 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat both components in the microwave.
Other Recipes You Might Like
Watch How To Make It
Loco Moco
Ingredients
Hamburger Patties
- 1/2 lbs Ground Pork
- 1/2 lbs Ground Beef
- 1/2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Onions chopped
- 1 Garlic
- 1 tbsp Panko
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Egg
- 1 1/2 tbsp Half & Half can sub with dairy milk
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
Plating
- 4 Cup Rice rice of choice
- 4 Egg
Beef Gravy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 6 tbsp Beef Broth
- 4 tbsp Ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Corn Starch
- 1 tbsp Water
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Dice onions. In a skillet, add 1/2 tbsp butter on medium heat. Once butter is melted, add onion, cook until browned and set aside. Should take around 2-3 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, add ground pork, ground beef, grated garlic, panko, salt, black pepper, 1 egg, half & half, nutmeg, and cooked onions. Combine with hands until mixed well.
- Take 1/4 of the mix and throw from one hand to another while gently cupping the mix with the palm and hand forming a ball. Place the ball onto a plate and press down on it with the palm of your hand to form a patty. The patty should be around 1 inch thick. Afterwards, take your thumb and gently press and make an indent in the middle of the hamburger patty. This ensures the hamburger will retain its shape during the cooking process. Repeat until all the mix is used up and set patties aside.
- Prepare corn starch slurry by combing corn starch with water. Note - skip if using xanthan gum as your thickener.
- Prepare beef gravy by whisking 1 tbsp butter, beef broth, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce in a sauce pan over medium-low heat. Once sauce is up to heat, add in thickener of choice. Simmer sauce until thickened and remove from heat.
- Prepare fried eggs of choice, sunny-side, easy-over, medium over, etc. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, spray cooking oil and bring up to temperature on medium heat. Carefully place patties with indented side upwards, cover and cook for 3-4 minutes or until browned. Flip to the other side and repeat.
- Once patties are cooked, transfer hamburger patties over bed of rice, top with fried egg and spoon beef gravy on top.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving
