Name: Classic Loco Moco with Savory Brown Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed; 3 cups water; 1 1/2 lb (700 g) lean ground beef; 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 small); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large egg (for patties); 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided; 4 large eggs (for frying); 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; Optional: 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms for gravy; Optional garnish: sliced green onions or chopped parsley

Classic Loco Moco with Savory Brown Gravy

A comforting plate of steamed rice topped with juicy seasoned beef patties, a rich brown gravy and runny fried eggs. Ready in under an hour for a hearty, protein-packed meal the whole family will love.

⏱

Prep Time 15 min

🔥

Cook Time 30 min

⏰

Total Time 45 min

👥

Servings 4

⭐

Difficulty Easy

Instructions

1
Step 1: Cook the rice. Combine rinsed rice and 3 cups water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15–18 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, fluff with a fork.
2
Step 2: Make the beef mixture. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, 1 large egg, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper. Mix gently until combined—avoid overworking.
3
Step 3: Form and cook patties. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into slightly flattened patties. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temp 160°F/71°C). Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
4
Step 4: Prepare the gravy. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and butter. If using mushrooms, sauté until softened (2–3 minutes). Sprinkle flour over the pan and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to make a roux, scraping up browned bits.
5
Step 5: Finish the gravy. Gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth. Add soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer gently 3–5 minutes until thickened. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
6
Step 6: Fry the eggs. In a separate nonstick skillet, heat a little oil over medium. Crack eggs and cook to preference; for classic loco moco, fry sunny-side up or over-easy so yolks remain runny (about 2–3 minutes). Season eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
7
Step 7: Assemble. Divide steamed rice among 4 plates. Top each portion with a beef patty, spoon generous gravy over the patty, then place a fried egg on top. Garnish with sliced green onions or parsley if desired and serve immediately.

🔄 substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef for a lighter option. Use vegetable broth and plant-based butter to make a vegetarian-style gravy (replace patties with thick grilled portobello or veggie patties). Swap white rice for steamed jasmine or brown rice (increase cooking water and time for brown rice).

📦 storage

Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator—rice, patties and gravy keep best when not stacked. Reheat gravy in a saucepan over low heat, add a splash of broth if too thick. Reheat patties gently in a skillet or oven; fry fresh eggs before serving.