How to Make Loco Moco, the Ultimate Hawaiian Comfort Food

If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying dish that will make you feel like you’re in Hawaii, look no further than loco moco. Loco moco is a classic Hawaiian dish that consists of three layers of rice, a hamburger patty, and an egg, all smothered in a savory brown gravy. It’s simple, delicious, and easy to make at home.

Loco moco has a humble origin story. It was invented in the late 1940s by a group of hungry teenagers at the Lincoln Grill in Hilo, Hawaii. They asked the owner, Nancy Inouye, to make them something cheap and filling. She came up with the idea of putting a hamburger patty on a bed of rice and topping it with gravy. She named it loco moco, which means “crazy” in Spanish, after one of the boys, George Okimoto, whose nickname was “Crazy”. The egg was added later, as a way of making the dish more substantial.

Since then, loco moco has become a staple of Hawaiian cuisine and can be found in restaurants, diners, and food trucks all over the islands. It has also inspired many variations, such as using spam, chicken, pork, or fish instead of beef, or adding cheese, mushrooms, onions, or bacon. Some people even like to add macaroni salad or kimchi on the side.

But the original loco moco is still the most popular, and the easiest to make at home. All you want are a few simple elements and some easy steps：

1. Cook the rice. You can use any kind of rice you like, but white rice is the most common. Follow the instructions on the package, or use a rice cooker for convenience. You’ll need about four cups of cooked rice for four servings of loco moco.

2. Make the hamburger patties. In a large bowl, combine one pound of ground beef, one teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and one egg. Mix nicely and form into 4 same patties. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for about four minutes per side, or until done to your liking. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

3. Make the gravy. In the equal skillet, soften tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add one-fourth cup of chopped onion and cook until soft, about five minutes. Sprinkle two tablespoons of flour over the onion and cook, stirring, for two minutes. Gradually whisk in two cups of beef broth, one tablespoon of soy sauce, one tablespoon of ketchup, and half a teaspoon of garlic powder. Bring to a boil, then lessen the warmth and simmer till thickened approximately 10 minutes. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to add your delicious flavor!

4. Fry the eggs. In another skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat and crack four eggs. Cook until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny about three minutes. You can also flip the eggs and cook them for another minute if you prefer them over easy.

5. Assemble the loco moco. Divide the rice among four large plates. Top each with a hamburger patty and a generous amount of gravy. Place an egg on top of each patty and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade loco moco with a fork and a spoon, and maybe some hot sauce if you like some extra kick.

Loco moco is a dish that’s sure to fill you up and bring a big smile to your face. It’s the ultimate Hawaiian comfort food that you can whip up whenever you’re longing for a taste of the islands. Give it a try today and discover why it’s such a hit and dearly cherished.