Loco Moco Perfection Recipe
If you’re craving a soul-satisfying meal that brings together tender hamburger patties, a luscious brown gravy, steaming white rice, and the crowning glory of a gooey, sunny-side-up egg, you’re in the right place. Loco Moco Perfection is truly the definition of island comfort food, and every bite will transport you to a Hawaiian lanai where flavor reigns supreme. Whether you’re a longtime fan of this Hawaii classic or trying it for the first time, you’ll find pure joy in the combination of simple ingredients and big flavors that make this dish unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the essentials for Loco Moco Perfection is refreshingly easy. Each ingredient plays a vital role, lending its own taste, texture, or sparkle of color, so don’t be tempted to skip or swap unless you want to put your own inventive twist on tradition!
- Ground beef (1 pound, 80/20 preferred): The heart of the dish—juicy, flavorful beef creates that classic, meaty patty.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds aromatic warmth and depth, making every bite pop.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers subtle sweetness and savory complexity to the beef.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning for balance; don’t skimp on a generous pinch of each.
- Oil for frying (1 tablespoon): Keeps those patties golden and prevents sticking in the skillet.
- Cooked white rice (2 cups): Fluffy and neutral—this classic base soaks up all the gravy goodness.
- Large eggs (2): Rich, runny-yolked eggs are the finishing touch that makes a loco moco utterly irresistible.
- Butter (2 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons): Used for both gravy bliss and perfect eggs; don’t be shy!
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): The magical thickener that transforms your gravy into silk.
- Beef broth (1 1/2 cups): Savory, umami-packed base for your luscious gravy.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a zing of tang and depth you can’t get anywhere else.
- Soy sauce (1/2 teaspoon): Adds that iconic savory note in both the patty and the gravy.
How to Make Loco Moco Perfection
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties
Start by combining the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix gently—just enough to distribute the seasonings without overworking the meat. Form the seasoned beef into four equal patties and set them aside. This is where the texture of Loco Moco Perfection starts to take shape!
Step 2: Sear the Patties
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the beef patties and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they develop a deep brown crust and reach your desired doneness. This searing step locks in all those savory juices, making the burger patties perfectly flavorful. Transfer the patties to a plate and keep warm while you make the gravy.
Step 3: Make the Savory Gravy
In the same skillet (hello, flavor!), melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a buttery roux, cooking for about a minute. Now, slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Let the gravy simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it’s rich, silky, and just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—the true soul of Loco Moco Perfection!
Step 4: Fry the Eggs
In a second pan, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Carefully crack in the eggs, keeping the yolks intact. Cook sunny side up until the whites are set but those yolks remain gloriously runny, making sure you don’t overcook them. The luscious eggs will form the golden halo atop your loco moco stack.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
It’s assembly time! Scoop a mound of hot steamed rice onto each plate, then top with a juicy hamburger patty. Ladle over plenty of that velvety brown gravy, and crown the creation with a sunny-side-up egg. Serve your Loco Moco Perfection hot and dig in while everything’s melty and steamy.
How to Serve Loco Moco Perfection

Garnishes
Sprinkle sliced green onions or a dash of toasted sesame seeds over the plate for a burst of color and freshness. If you like a bit of heat, try adding a drizzle of Sriracha or a side of pickled ginger. These little touches make each bite of Loco Moco Perfection feel extra special and personal.
Side Dishes
Traditional Hawaiian macaroni salad is a natural companion—its creamy tang balances the savoriness of the main dish. If you want to lighten things up, a crisp cucumber salad or simply-steamed edamame works beautifully alongside your Loco Moco Perfection for a complete island-style meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, serve mini loco mocos in small bowls for a festive appetizer. You can also get playful by layering everything in a tall glass or mason jar—rice first, then patty, a pool of gravy, and egg on top. Try shaping your rice with a mold or small bowl for a neat, café-worthy presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover patties, gravy, rice, and eggs stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. This preserves the texture of each element, so you’ll still taste Loco Moco Perfection even a day or two later.
Freezing
The beef patties and gravy freeze very well—let them cool, then wrap or store in airtight bags or containers for up to two months. Rice can also be frozen, though eggs are best cooked fresh right before serving for that signature runny yolk of true Loco Moco Perfection.
Reheating
Reheat patties and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Warm the gravy separately until hot and smooth. Fry fresh eggs just before serving to recapture the magic of that gooey, golden yolk.
FAQs
Can I make Loco Moco Perfection with a different kind of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based patties are all tasty substitutes that work beautifully in Loco Moco Perfection. Just keep an eye on cooking times since leaner meats can cook more quickly.
What makes the gravy so flavorful?
It’s that decadent combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and a savory roux made with butter and flour. Don’t skip browning the roux—it gives the gravy a deep, nutty taste at the very core of Loco Moco Perfection.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Shape and cook the patties and make the gravy ahead of time. Assemble and fry the eggs just before serving so every bite is fresh and gooey, ensuring peak Loco Moco Perfection for your guests.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend when making the gravy, and use gluten-free soy and Worcestershire sauce. Check your labels, and you’ll have a wonderful gluten-free version of Loco Moco Perfection.
Which rice is best for Loco Moco Perfection?
Short-grain or medium-grain white rice is classic, thanks to its stickiness and ability to soak up gravy, but any steamed rice you love will work. For a twist, try brown rice for nutty flavor or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Final Thoughts
This recipe really brings the spirit of aloha to your table, and I can’t recommend it enough if you’re ready for something equal parts heartwarming, hearty, and totally delicious. Give Loco Moco Perfection a try and let the rich gravy, juicy patty, and silky egg transport you on a culinary mini-vacation—you’re in for one seriously satisfying meal!
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Loco Moco Perfection Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Loco Moco recipe. A Hawaiian classic featuring juicy beef patties, rich gravy, fluffy rice, and a perfectly fried egg on top.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil for frying
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter
Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Patties: Season ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties and cook in a skillet until desired doneness.
- Make the Gravy: Melt butter in the same pan, whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Fry the Eggs: In a separate pan, fry eggs sunny side up.
- Assemble: Plate rice, top with a beef patty, pour gravy over, and add a fried egg on top. Serve hot.
Notes
- Enhance rice with soy sauce or green onions for extra flavor.
- Substitute ground turkey or veggie patty for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 230mg