Hawaiian comfort food doesn’t get better than Loco Moco – that hearty stack of rice, hamburger patty, rich gravy, and a perfectly fried egg that makes every bite feel like a warm hug.

This dish started in the 1940s at a small Hawaiian restaurant when teenagers wanted something filling and affordable.

The combination of simple ingredients creates something much greater than the sum of its parts.

The beauty of Loco Moco lies in its simplicity. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients – just honest, satisfying food that fills both your stomach and your soul.

Ready to bring this Hawaiian classic to your dinner table? Here’s everything you need to know to make restaurant-quality Loco Moco at home.

What is Loco Moco?

Loco Moco is Hawaii’s ultimate comfort food; a hearty dish that combines a hamburger patty, steamed rice, mushroom gravy, and a fried egg all served together in one satisfying stack.

The name comes from “loco” (meaning “crazy” in Spanish) and “moco” (referring to the runny egg on top). While the name might sound silly, this dish has become a beloved staple throughout Hawaii and beyond.

Each component plays an important role: the rice provides a neutral base, the seasoned patty adds protein and flavor, the rich gravy ties everything together, and the runny egg creates creamy richness when broken.

This isn’t just a meal, it’s a complete eating experience that satisfies in ways that separate dishes simply can’t match.

Pro tip: Use 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and juiciness. Leaner meat will make dry patties.

Recipe Notes & Prep Info

Let’s Get Cooking – Step by Step!

This Hawaiian comfort food comes together quickly when you follow the right order. The key is timing everything so all components are hot and ready at the same time.

1. Start the Rice

Cook the jasmine rice according to package directions using a 1:1.25 ratio of rice to water for fluffy results. This should take about 18-20 minutes total.

Keep the rice warm in the pot with the lid on while you prepare the other components. Good rice is the foundation of great Loco Moco.

Pro Tip: Let the rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking before fluffing with a fork. This prevents mushy rice and ensures perfect texture.

2. Form the Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with diced onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined – don’t overwork the meat.

Form the mixture into 5 patties, making them slightly larger than you want them to end up since they’ll shrink during cooking. Make a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing.

Pro Tip: Wet your hands with cold water when forming patties to prevent sticking and create smoother surfaces.

3. Cook the Patties

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through.

The internal temperature should reach 160°F for food safety. Don’t press down on the patties while cooking – this squeezes out the juices.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning and even cooking.

4. Make the Mushroom Gravy

In the same skillet (don’t clean it – those browned bits add flavor), add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and lightly browned.

Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Pro Tip: Make sure the flour is completely mixed with the mushrooms before adding liquid to prevent lumps in your gravy.

5. Finish the Gravy

Gradually add beef stock while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, then simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.

Return the cooked patties to the skillet and let them simmer in the gravy to stay warm and absorb flavors. The gravy should coat the back of a spoon.

Pro Tip: If the gravy gets too thick, add more beef stock. If too thin, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water).

6. Fry the Eggs

In a separate pan, fry the eggs over medium heat until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny. This creates that signature creamy richness when the yolk breaks.

Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. The runny yolk is essential to authentic Loco Moco – it acts as a sauce when mixed with the other components.

Pro Tip: Crack eggs into individual bowls first, then slide them into the pan one at a time for better control and even cooking.

7. Assemble Your Loco Moco

Place a generous scoop of hot rice on each plate. Top with one hamburger patty, then ladle the mushroom gravy over the patty and rice.

Carefully place a fried egg on top of each stack, letting the yolk show prominently. Garnish with sliced green onions for color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tip: Serve immediately while everything is hot. The contrast between the warm components and the creamy egg yolk is what makes this dish special.

How to Serve This Hawaiian Classic

Once your Loco Moco is assembled, presentation makes all the difference in creating an authentic Hawaiian dining experience. Here are the best ways to serve this comfort food favorite:

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Loco Moco is best served fresh, but you can prepare components ahead for easier assembly:

• Rice: Cook up to 2 days ahead and reheat in the microwave with a damp paper towel.
• Patties and Gravy: Store together in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Eggs: Always cook fresh – they don’t reheat well and lose their creamy texture.

Pro Tip: Keep everything warm in a low oven (200°F) if serving multiple people to ensure hot food for everyone.

Nutrition Facts

This hearty Hawaiian comfort food provides substantial protein and energy for active days!

Note: Values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients used. This meal provides excellent protein and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy!

Ways to Make Loco Moco Your Own

Once you master the classic version, here are popular ways to customize this Hawaiian favorite. Each variation brings something special while maintaining the dish’s comforting essence:

Portuguese Sausage Loco Moco

Replace the hamburger patty with thick slices of Portuguese sausage for authentic Hawaiian flavor.

Portuguese sausage adds a smoky, spicy kick that many locals prefer over beef. The sausage is already seasoned, so you can skip the additional seasonings and just brown the slices until crispy on both sides.

Teriyaki Loco Moco

Add 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce to the patty mixture and use teriyaki-flavored gravy.

This sweet and savory variation appeals to those who love Asian-Hawaiian fusion flavors. The teriyaki adds depth and a glossy finish that makes the dish look restaurant-quality.

Spam Loco Moco

Use thick slices of fried Spam instead of hamburger patties for a true Hawaiian experience.

Spam is hugely popular in Hawaii and creates a completely different texture and flavor profile. Fry the Spam slices until golden and crispy, then proceed with the same gravy and assembly method.

Vegetarian Loco Moco

Replace the meat with grilled portobello mushrooms and use vegetable stock in the gravy.

The meaty texture of portobello mushrooms provides satisfying substance while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly. Season the mushrooms with soy sauce and garlic before grilling for maximum flavor.

Make Your Kitchen Smell Like Hawaii!

This Loco Moco recipe brings the authentic taste of Hawaiian comfort food straight to your dinner table.

The combination of seasoned beef, rich mushroom gravy, fluffy rice, and creamy egg creates a meal that satisfies both hunger and soul.

The beauty of Loco Moco lies in its honest, straightforward approach to comfort food; no fancy ingredients or complicated steps, just good food that makes people happy.

Make this recipe tonight and experience why this Hawaiian classic has been loved for generations. The smell of sizzling patties and savory gravy will transport your kitchen straight to the islands.

Share in the comments which variation you tried first and how your family reacted to this Hawaiian comfort food classic!