If you’ve ever dreamed of a meal that feels like a warm hug from the islands, you’re about to fall in love with the Ultimate Hawaiian Loco Moco Recipe. This iconic dish combines fluffy white rice, juicy burger patties, rich brown gravy, and sunny over-easy eggs to create a symphony of flavors and textures that truly defines comfort food. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the layers of savory goodness will transport your taste buds straight to Hawaii with every bite.

Ultimate Hawaiian Loco Moco Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Ultimate Hawaiian Loco Moco Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays an essential role. From the fluffy rice base to the hearty burger patty and luscious gravy, these ingredients work harmoniously to give you a dish that’s anything but ordinary.

2 cups white medium grain rice: Provides the tender, slightly sticky foundation essential for soaking up gravy.
2 cups water: Perfect ratio for perfectly steamed rice every time.
2 cups beef stock: Gives the gravy its deep, meaty richness that ties the dish together.
3 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the gravy to just the right consistency.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild savory note enhancing the brown gravy’s flavor.
1 teaspoon shoyu (soy sauce): Introduces umami and a subtle saltiness to the gravy.
1 teaspoon beef bouillon paste: Boosts the overall beefy taste in the gravy.
1 tablespoon heavy cream: Makes the gravy luxuriously smooth and velvety.
2 pounds ground beef: The heart of the dish, grounding all the flavors with juicy, savory patties.
1 egg (for patties): Binds the burger mixture for perfect texture.
¼ cup diced onion: Adds a subtle crunch and sweetness inside the patties.
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs: Keeps the patties tender by locking in moisture.
2 tablespoons ketchup: Gives the patties a tangy and slightly sweet undertone.
2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the burger mixture.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every element.
6 large eggs (for topping): The crowning glory, adding richness and that delicate runny yolk.
Cooking oil of choice: For frying the eggs to golden perfection.

How to Make Ultimate Hawaiian Loco Moco Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by rinsing the rice under cool water until the water runs clear — this removes excess starch for fluffier rice. Then, add the rice and water to a rice cooker and cook according to the settings. The rice will serve as your hearty, pillowy base, soaking up the luscious gravy and juices from the burger patties.

Step 2: Make the Brown Gravy

In a pot over medium heat, whisk together beef stock, cornstarch, onion powder, shoyu, and beef bouillon paste. Keep whisking as the mixture thickens into a glossy gravy. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream to get a rich, silky finish. This gravy is pure magic — it brings everything together and adds that signature savory punch.

Step 3: Prepare the Burger Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, diced onion, panko breadcrumbs, ketchup, mayonnaise, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well until evenly combined but don’t overwork the meat. Form the mixture into thick, juicy patties that will hold their shape while cooking. Sear them over medium-high heat in a skillet until beautifully browned and cooked all the way through, flipping once for even cooking and perfect caramelization.

Step 4: Cook the Eggs

Heat a splash of your chosen cooking oil in a non-stick pan. Carefully crack each egg into the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the whites are set and the edges turn a little crisp. Flip gently for a classic over-easy egg, preserving that dreamy runny yolk that will ooze over your loco moco, creating pure magic on your plate.

Step 5: Assemble the Loco Moco

On each serving plate, mound a scoop of perfectly steamed rice. Lay a warm, juicy burger patty on top, then generously pour the silky brown gravy over everything. Finally, crown your creation with a beautifully cooked over-easy egg. Serve immediately and get ready to dive into one of the most comforting meals you’ll ever taste.

How to Serve Ultimate Hawaiian Loco Moco Recipe

Garnishes

Once assembled, the Ultimate Hawaiian Loco Moco Recipe shines with simple garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These add fresh brightness and a subtle crunch, enhancing both the visual appeal and the layers of flavor without overshadowing the star ingredients.

Side Dishes

Traditionally, this hearty dish stands strong on its own, but you can complement it with classic Hawaiian sides such as macaroni salad, pickled vegetables, or even a simple green salad. These sides bring a refreshing contrast to the rich, saucy loco moco and round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to surprise friends or family, serve the Ultimate Hawaiian Loco Moco Recipe in mini bowls for a party platter or stack smaller patties to create a loco moco tower. Drizzle the gravy artistically around the plate and finish with microgreens for a modern, elevated presentation that still captures that island vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover components like cooked patties, rice, and gravy can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the elements separate helps maintain their texture and freshness when you’re ready to enjoy the dish again.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked burger patties and gravy for up to two months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in freezer-safe containers, but avoid freezing the eggs as their texture will degrade. When thawing, do so overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat the rice and patties gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep the rice moist. Warm the gravy separately over low heat until just heated through. If you want a fresh egg topping, it’s best to cook new eggs to maintain that perfect runny yolk.

FAQs

What makes the Ultimate Hawaiian Loco Moco Recipe different from a regular burger and gravy?

The Ultimate Hawaiian Loco Moco Recipe pairs the burger patty with fluffy rice and a rich brown gravy, all topped with an over-easy egg, creating a layering of flavors and textures unique to Hawaiian cuisine that’s different from a traditional burger and fries.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

While ground turkey or chicken can work for a leaner version, they won’t have quite the same juicy, beefy flavor that’s essential to this recipe’s identity. If you choose to substitute, consider adding extra seasonings and moisture to keep the patties tender.

Is there a vegetarian version of the Ultimate Hawaiian Loco Moco Recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap the beef patties for hearty mushroom or black bean patties and use vegetable broth for the gravy. While it won’t be traditional, it still captures the spirit and comfort of the dish.

What’s the secret to making the perfect gravy?

The key is whisking constantly to avoid lumps while cooking the cornstarch and stock mixture and finishing with heavy cream for a smooth, velvety texture. Adjust seasoning with shoyu and bouillon to achieve that deep, authentic flavor.

Can I prepare this dish in advance for a crowd?

Yes, you can make the patties and gravy ahead and keep them warm. Cook the rice fresh if possible, and prepare eggs just before serving so they stay perfectly runny. This method keeps everything tasting fresh and delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Ultimate Hawaiian Loco Moco Recipe that keeps you coming back for more — the harmony of savory beef, fluffy rice, rich gravy, and that luscious egg is simply unbeatable. I encourage you to whip this up soon and treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of aloha in every bite. It’s a flavorful journey you’ll want to make again and again!

Ultimate Hawaiian Loco Moco Recipe