Loco Moco (Hawaiian Lunch)

Loco Moco is a beloved Hawaiian comfort food that combines savory, home-style ingredients into one hearty and deeply satisfying meal. With a foundation of fluffy white rice, this dish builds upward with a juicy hamburger patty, rich brown gravy, and a perfectly fried egg to crown it all. It’s simple yet indulgent, offering layers of umami flavor and diverse textures in every bite.

Originating in the Hawaiian Islands, Loco Moco is the quintessential “plate lunch,” and its flexibility makes it a go-to meal any time of day. Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it delivers maximum comfort with minimal fuss. The key to its crave-worthy appeal lies in the contrast of runny yolk blending with the silky brown gravy and the seared crust of the beef patty against the tender rice.

This dish is more than a quick meal—it’s a cultural staple that brings a bit of island flavor and hospitality to the table. It’s often garnished with green onions, and sometimes adapted with variations like mushroom gravy, garlic fried rice, or even Spam in place of beef.

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Ideal for weeknight dinners or a weekend brunch, Loco Moco is a one-plate wonder that satisfies both hunger and soul. Best of all, it’s made with everyday pantry ingredients, making it accessible and easy to recreate at home.

Servings and timing:
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked white rice (preferably short grain)
  • 2 beef hamburger patties (about 1/3 lb each)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon oil or butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1½ cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
  • Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

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