Loco Moco

Loco Moco is a popular Hawaiian dish that consists of a hamburger patty topped with a savory brown gravy, topped with a sunny side up egg, and served over white rice.

Loco Moco is a beloved Hawaiian dish that is as comforting as it is delicious. Comprising a hearty beef patty, rich gravy, a fried egg, and a bed of rice, it’s a meal that satisfies both hunger and taste buds.

It’s easy to see why this dish has become a staple in Hawaiian cuisine, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

What Makes This So Great?

Loco Moco stands out for its simplicity and boldness. It’s a meal that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complex techniques, yet it delivers big on taste. The combination of savory beef patties, creamy gravy, and a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg all over a bed of fluffy white rice creates a harmony of flavors and textures that is hard to beat. It’s also a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different dietary needs and preferences.

What Kitchen Items Do You Need To Make This?

To make loco moco, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Medium-sized bowl for mixing the beef patty ingredients
• Cast iron skillet or any heavy-bottomed pan for cooking the patties and gravy
• Spatula or tongs for flipping the patties
• Knife and cutting board for preparing the onions and mushrooms
• Measuring spoons and cups to ensure you use the right amounts of each ingredient
• A large spoon for serving the gravy
• Plates for assembling and serving the loco moco

Having these items on hand will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

What Ingredients Are Needed For This Recipe?

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for loco moco, as per the provided list:

For the Beef Patties:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ tbsp finely diced yellow onion
• ½ tbsp salt
• ½ tbsp garlic powder
• ½ tbsp black pepper
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs

For the Gravy:

• ½ tbsp sliced yellow onion
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 4 tbsp cremini mushrooms
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp MSG

To Complete:

• 5 fried sunny-side-up eggs
• Cooked white rice
• Sliced green onion (optional)

How To Make It

For the Beef Patties

1. In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the ground beef, diced onion, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix until well combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
2. Form the mixture into even 1-inch thick patties and set them aside on a plate.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the patties, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

For the Gravy

1. In the same hot pan, add the butter, mushrooms, and sliced onion. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Season with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and MSG. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Stir frequently until the gravy thickens.

To Assemble

1. Spoon a generous layer of cooked white rice onto a plate.
2. Place a beef patty on top of the rice.
3. Pour the gravy over the patty.
4. Top it all off with a fried sunny-side-up egg.
5. Garnish with sliced green onion if desired.

What Is The History Behind This Recipe?

The origins of loco moco date back to the late 1940s in Hilo, Hawaii. It’s said that the dish was created at the Lincoln Grill restaurant for a group of local teenagers who wanted something different from the usual sandwiches. They requested a bowl of rice topped with a hamburger patty and gravy, and the rest is history. The dish was named “loco moco,” where “loco” is Spanish for “crazy,” reflecting the unconventional combination, and “moco” was added because it rhymed and sounded catchy.

What Can I Switch Up To Make This Different If I Have Dietary Needs (Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-Free)?

Loco Moco can be adapted to suit various dietary needs:

Vegan/Vegetarian:

• Beef Patties: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or make patties from black beans, lentils, or tofu.
• Gravy: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and replace butter with a vegan margarine or oil. Ensure that any soy sauce used is vegan.
• Eggs: Use a tofu scramble or a vegan egg substitute for the sunny-side-up egg.

Gluten-Free:

• Beef Patties: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Gravy: Replace the flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the soy sauce used is gluten-free.

By making these substitutions, you can enjoy loco moco regardless of your dietary restrictions.

What Does Loco Moco Mean In English?

“Loco Moco” translates to “crazy snot” in English. However, the name was chosen for its catchy sound rather than its literal meaning. It’s a playful and memorable name that captures the dish’s fun and unconventional nature.

Why Is Loco Moco Popular In Hawaii?

Loco Moco is popular in Hawaii because it’s a hearty, affordable, and satisfying meal. It combines simple ingredients to create a dish that’s filling and comforting. Its origins in local diners and its association with island culture have made it a beloved staple in Hawaiian cuisine.

Who Made The Original Loco Moco?

The original loco moco is credited to Lincoln Grill in Hilo, Hawaii, where it was created for a group of local teenagers looking for a quick, affordable meal. The dish quickly gained popularity and became a staple in local diners and restaurants.

What Is The Difference Between Hambagu And Loco Moco?

Hambagu, a Japanese dish, is similar to loco moco in that it features a hamburger patty. However, hambagu is typically served with a thick, brown demi-glace sauce and often comes with a side of rice or potatoes, not on top of rice like loco moco. Loco moco, on the other hand, is characterized by its combination of rice, beef patty, gravy, and a fried egg, making it a unique fusion of different culinary influences.

How Should I Store This?

If you have leftovers, store each component of the loco moco separately. Place the beef patties in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The gravy can be stored in a separate container and refrigerated for up to 3 days as well. Cooked rice should also be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat each component individually and assemble as you would with fresh ingredients.

Loco Moco is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings a taste of Hawaii to your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for the first time or it’s a regular part of your meal rotation, its simple ingredients and hearty nature are sure to please.