Hawaiian Loco Moco: 6 Delicious Steps to Pure Comfort

Name: Hawaiian Loco Moco
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 cups white medium grain rice; 2 cups water; 2 cups beef stock; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon shoyu (soy sauce); 1 teaspoon beef bouillon paste; 1 tablespoon heavy cream; 2 pounds ground beef; 1 egg; ¼ cup onion, diced; ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; Salt and pepper, to taste; 6 large eggs; Cooking oil of choice; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve never had Hawaiian Loco Moco, let me tell you—it’s basically the culinary version of a cozy blanket on a rainy day. This dish is all about comfort: warm rice, juicy burger patties, savory brown gravy, and a golden egg on top. It’s the kind of meal that makes you sigh with happiness after the first bite. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to whip up at home, even if you’re juggling work, kids, or just trying to feed yourself something more exciting than cereal for dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Loco Moco

Layers of Comfort in Every Bite: Fluffy rice, juicy burger, silky gravy, and a golden egg create the ultimate comfort food experience.
Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: From picky eaters to hungry teens, everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
Quick Weeknight Magic: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can pull this together without breaking a sweat.
Customizable to Your Taste: Swap proteins, adjust the gravy thickness, or cook the eggs just how you like them.
A Taste of the Islands at Home: Bring a little Hawaiian sunshine to your kitchen without the plane ticket.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Rice:

2 cups white medium grain rice
2 cups water

For the Brown Gravy:

2 cups beef stock
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon shoyu (soy sauce)
1 teaspoon beef bouillon paste
1 tablespoon heavy cream

For the Burger Patties:

2 pounds ground beef
1 egg
¼ cup onion, diced
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Eggs:

6 large eggs
Cooking oil of choice
Salt and pepper, to taste

How To Make Hawaiian Loco Moco

Cook the Rice

Rinse the rice under cool water until it runs clear (this helps prevent stickiness). Add the rice and water to your rice cooker and let it do its thing. If you don’t have a rice cooker, stovetop works just fine—just cover and simmer until the grains are tender.

Make the Gravy

Grab a pot and whisk together beef stock, cornstarch, onion powder, shoyu, and beef bouillon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens into glossy deliciousness. Remove from the heat and stir in the heavy cream for a silky finish.

Prepare the Burger Patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, onion, panko, ketchup, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined (overmixing makes the patties tough). Shape into patties and cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, flipping once.

Cook the Eggs

Heat a bit of oil in a pan and crack in your eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Cook sunny-side up for runny yolks, or flip for over-easy if that’s your jam. The key is those golden, lacy edges.

Assemble the Loco Moco

On each plate, start with a scoop of rice. Add a juicy burger patty, spoon over the rich gravy, and crown it with a fried egg. Serve immediately while it’s hot, gooey, and glorious.

Tips for the Best Hawaiian Loco Moco

Rice matters: Medium-grain rice gives that authentic chewy texture, but long-grain works in a pinch.
Gravy too thick? Add a splash of beef stock. Too thin? Let it simmer a little longer.
Eggs are everything: A runny yolk adds a creamy sauce-like finish. But if your family prefers fully cooked, go for it.
Meal prep hack: Cook the rice and patties ahead of time. Just reheat and fry fresh eggs before serving.

A Little Storytime

The first time I made Hawaiian Loco Moco, it was one of those weeks where my to-do list was longer than my grocery receipt (and that’s saying something). I threw this together thinking, well, at least it’s dinner. But when I set the plate down, the kids cheered like I’d just handed them dessert. That’s when I knew this dish wasn’t just food—it was joy on a plate.

Hawaiian Loco Moco with rice, juicy beef patty, savory brown gravy, and a fried egg topped with fresh chives. — Delicious Hawaiian Loco Moco topped with a sunny-side-up egg and rich brown gravy.

FAQs About Hawaiian Loco Moco

Can I substitute the beef patties?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great. You can even go plant-based with veggie patties if that’s your vibe.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep the rice, patties, and gravy in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Fry fresh eggs when reheating for best results.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Absolutely. Reheat gently on the stove, and add a splash of beef stock if it thickens too much.

Bring the Island Comfort Home

There’s a reason Hawaiian Loco Moco has stood the test of time—it’s pure comfort in a bowl. From the tender rice to the rich gravy and that luscious egg, every bite feels like a hug. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch, this dish brings a little island magic to your table—no plane ticket required.

More Recipes to Try Next

If you loved this Hawaiian-inspired comfort food, you’ll definitely want to explore a few more dishes that bring cozy flavors and hearty satisfaction:

Try the Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole for a bold, Mexican-inspired weeknight dinner.
For a sweet finish, indulge in Apple Crisp Crockpot—a warm dessert that pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream.
Craving something savory and hearty? The Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew will be your new go-to comfort meal.
Or bring island vibes back with Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs, perfect for family dinners or game-day spreads.

If you give this Hawaiian Loco Moco a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a review below and let me know how it turned out in your kitchen. And if you’re hungry for even more cozy, no-fuss recipes, make sure to follow us on Pinterest—you’ll find daily inspiration and plenty of comfort food ideas waiting for you.