Loco Moco

Hawaiian-inspired Loco Moco combines the heartiness of a juicy beef patty with the comfort of rice, all crowned with rich mushroom gravy and a perfectly fried egg. This island favorite brings together simple ingredients that create an explosion of flavors in every bite. My twist adds pineapple fried rice and a touch of Sriracha heat that elevates this humble dish to something truly special.

I first tried making Loco Moco after visiting Hawaii years ago and immediately fell in love with how something so simple could taste so incredible. Every time I serve this to friends, they're amazed by how the flavors complement each other.

Ingredients

• Ground beef (85% lean): The fat content keeps burgers juicy and flavorful; look for beef with a bright red color and minimal liquid in the package
• Sweet onions: These add natural sweetness to every component; choose firm onions with shiny, paper-thin skin with no soft spots
• Shiitake mushrooms: Their meaty texture and earthy flavor create depth in the gravy; select mushrooms with firm caps and no sliminess
• Beef bone broth: Provides a richer flavor than regular stock; homemade is best, but high-quality store-bought works well too
• Tamari soy sauce: Less salty than regular soy sauce with a more complex flavor; choose naturally brewed varieties for the best taste
• Pineapple chunks: Fresh is preferable for their juicy sweetness and firmer texture; look for pineapples with a sweet smell at the base
• Bacon: Adds smoky saltiness that balances the sweet pineapple; thick-cut bacon works best for more substantial bites
• Jasmine rice: Its floral aroma complements the tropical flavors; properly cooked rice should be fluffy with distinct grains
• Eggs: The runny yolk creates a natural sauce; farm-fresh eggs have brighter yolks and better flavor

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Cooking Instructions

Step 1:

Prepare the burger patties - Gently mix ground beef with diced sweet onion, salt, and pepper, being careful not to overwork the meat which can make burgers tough. Form into four evenly-sized patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.

Step 2:

Cook the burgers - Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. The burgers should develop a nice brown crust while remaining juicy inside. Let them rest while preparing other components.

Step 3:

Make the shiitake gravy - In a medium saucepan, heat coconut oil until shimmering. Add sliced shiitake mushrooms and diced onions, cooking until they release their moisture and begin to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes. Pour in beef bone broth, tamari, and Worcestershire sauce, bringing the mixture to a boil. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then slowly stir into the boiling gravy. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened to coat the back of a spoon, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4:

Prepare the pineapple fried rice - Heat coconut oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Increase heat to high and add pineapple chunks and chopped bacon, stir-frying quickly until the pineapple begins to caramelize at the edges. Add warm cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon, and toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5:

Fry the onion rings and eggs - In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over high heat. Add onion rings and cook until they begin to char at the edges but still retain some crispness, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside. Add the remaining tablespoon of coconut oil to the pan and crack in the eggs. Cook until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny, about 2-3 minutes.

Assembly

Create a beautiful presentation by first mounding the pineapple fried rice in the center of each plate. Place a burger patty on top, then arrange the fried onion rings over the burger. Carefully slide a fried egg onto each stack and spoon the shiitake gravy generously over everything. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and drizzle with Sriracha to taste.

I've always been fascinated by how simple ingredients like beef and rice could become something so special. My family particularly loves the pineapple in this version - my kids actually request this dish regularly, which is saying something for picky eaters!

The Perfect Burger Technique

The key to a great Loco Moco lies in the burger. For the juiciest results, handle the meat minimally and season it just before cooking. The indentation in the center helps the patty maintain its shape as it cooks, preventing the "baseball effect" where burgers puff up in the middle. This simple trick ensures even cooking and a perfect platform for your toppings.

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Gravy Secrets

A good mushroom gravy can elevate this dish from good to unforgettable. The combination of beef bone broth and tamari creates deep umami flavors that complement the earthiness of the shiitake mushrooms. The slight thickening from cornstarch gives it body without becoming gloppy. This gravy is so good you might want to make extra – it's wonderful on potatoes or other grilled meats too.

Rice Variations

While the pineapple fried rice brings a tropical twist to this dish, you can experiment with other variations. Coconut rice adds another layer of Hawaiian flavor, or you could try a mixed grain rice for additional texture and nutrition. Just make sure whatever rice you choose is cooked properly – fluffy and distinct grains make all the difference.

I've made this dish countless times over the years, and it never fails to bring smiles to the table. There's something magical about the moment when the egg yolk breaks and mingles with the mushroom gravy, creating a sauce that ties everything together. This Hawaiian comfort food might have humble origins, but it delivers five-star flavor that makes any meal feel special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is traditional Loco Moco?

Traditional Loco Moco is a Hawaiian dish consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, brown gravy, and a fried egg. Our version adds pineapple to the rice and uses shiitake mushrooms in the gravy for extra flavor.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as leaner meats cook faster.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (many aren't), and use a gluten-free thickener like arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch.

→ What if I don't like shiitake mushrooms?

You can substitute with button mushrooms, cremini, or even omit them entirely and make a simple onion gravy. The dish will still be delicious.

→ Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the burger patties and gravy a day ahead. The rice can also be cooked in advance and quickly stir-fried with the pineapple and other ingredients just before serving.