DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
In 2022, I developed a great routine. Every Monday morning, before heading to work, I would stop by a nearby restaurant that specialized in American and regional Hawai‘i-style cuisines. They served a dish that I often craved, a hearty meal that never failed to satisfy my hunger. This dish may seem simple, with just four main ingredients, but it is a delicious and comforting breakfast option. Although I can’t make it to the restaurant as often these days, I still yearn for this Hawai‘i-style comfort food. That’s why I rely on a specific recipe to recreate it at home.
This beloved meal is known as loco moco, a straightforward breakfast dish consisting of rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and gravy. While traditionally a breakfast item, I enjoy this recipe any time of the day for its simplicity, filling nature, and affordability.
The Origin of Loco Moco
The origins of loco moco are debated, but all tales point to Hilo, a town on the island of Hawai‘i. Legend has it that a group of regulars at the now-closed Lincoln Grill requested a budget-friendly dish with more substance than a plain hamburger. The result was a bed of rice topped with a hamburger patty and gravy. Over time, the addition of an egg completed the dish, giving birth to the loco moco.
Today, loco moco is a cherished meal enjoyed across the Hawaiian Islands and the United States. While variations exist, the core components of loco moco—rice, meat, egg, and gravy—remain consistent.
Chef John once said, “This loco moco is an amazing Hawai‘i-style comfort food classic made by topping rice with a fried burger, which is then smothered with a rich, brown gravy and finished with a fried egg. Seriously, how did it take until 1949 for someone to think of this combination?”
How to Prepare Loco Moco
Start by cooking rice in a saucepan, then form and cook a hamburger patty in a skillet. If using store-bought gravy, heat it according to the package instructions. For homemade gravy, use the same skillet to combine ingredients and infuse flavors from the meat.
Finish by frying an egg until it’s set but the yolk remains runny. Plate the rice, place the patty on top, pour gravy over it, and add the fried egg. For a final touch, garnish with green onions if desired.
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios Tips for Enhancing the Recipe
1. Opt for fried rice for added flavor and substance.
2. Experiment with different proteins like Spam, fish, or shrimp.
3. Elevate the dish by making your own gravy using ingredients like beef stock, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, ketchup, sugar, and sesame oil.
Feedback from the All
Reviewers rave about this recipe, with Monica noting that it’s a quick and easy comfort food that doesn’t require a lot of time. She usually swaps out Spam for a seasoned hamburger patty but loves both versions. Another reviewer, LDSFoodie, mentions that it’s a family favorite that’s quick, affordable, and delicious. This dish has become a go-to comfort food in their household. For more Loco Moco recipes, check out Chef John’s Loco Moco, Loco Moco, and Hawai‘i-Style Loco Moco. Read the full article on ALLRECIPES.
