When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the classic Hawaiian dish known as loco moco. This simple yet satisfying meal typically consists of a juicy hamburger patty topped with a fried egg, gravy, and a scoop of creamy rice. But while traditional loco moco is delicious in its own right, there’s no reason why you can’t mix things up and add your own unique twist to this beloved dish.
In fact, we’ve gathered 18 mouth-watering recipes for you to try, from classic takes on the original to bold new variations that incorporate everything from spicy sriracha sauce to sweet pineapple salsa. Whether you’re a loco moco newbie or a long-time fan, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Classic Hawaiian Loco Moco with Gravy
Classic Hawaiian Loco Moco with Gravy Recipe
Experience the iconic flavors of Hawaii with this comforting dish, a staple of local comfort food. This recipe combines juicy beef patties, creamy rice, and savory gravy for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 ounces ground beef
– 1/2 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Form ground beef into patties and cook in a pan until browned.
3. Cook rice according to package instructions.
4. In a separate pan, combine beef broth, ketchup, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in butter until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Assemble loco moco by placing a beef patty on top of cooked rice, then topping with a fried egg and spooning gravy over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Sriracha Loco Moco with Fried Egg
A twist on the classic Hawaiian dish, this Spicy Sriracha Loco Moco adds a bold and spicy kick. The combination of savory beef patty, runny fried egg, and tangy sriracha sauce is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Form beef patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
2. Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
3. Fry eggs in a non-stick skillet with butter until the whites are set and yolks are still runny.
4. Assemble loco mocos by spreading sriracha sauce on toasted buns, topping with beef patties, fried eggs, and finishing with lettuce and tomato (optional).
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Loco Moco
This recipe combines the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce with the comforting familiarity of a classic loco moco. The result is a unique and delicious twist on a Hawaiian staple.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, sauté onion and garlic in vegetable oil until caramelized.
5. Serve grilled chicken over Japanese rice, topped with sautéed onion mixture, a fried egg, and additional teriyaki sauce as desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetarian Mushroom Loco Moco
Loco Moco, a classic Hawaiian dish, gets a vegetarian twist with this recipe featuring savory mushrooms as the star. This flavorful and satisfying meal is perfect for a quick dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 1/2 cup vegetarian “ground beef” (such as tofu or tempeh), crumbled
– 1 egg, beaten (optional)
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add mushrooms, onion, and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown (5-7 minutes).
3. Add soy sauce, vegetarian “ground beef,” and tomato paste; stir well.
4. Serve mixture over cooked brown rice.
5. Top with a fried egg (if using) and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions (if desired).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp Loco Moco
Elevate your comfort food game with this decadent twist on the classic Hawaiian dish, Loco Moco. Succulent shrimp are smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over a bed of creamy rice and topped with a crispy fried egg.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
– 2 eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: green onions, sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).
3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked (2-3 minutes per side).
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Leave the garlic butter sauce in the pan.
5. Crack an egg into the same skillet and scramble it until cooked through.
6. To assemble, place a scoop of rice on a plate, top with a shrimp, and spoon some garlic butter sauce over it. Place the fried egg on top.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Kimchi Beef Loco Moco with Fried Rice
Kimchi Beef Loco Moco with Fried Rice: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Dish
This recipe combines the flavors of Korean kimchi and classic loco moco, topped with crispy fried rice for added crunch. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 cups kimchi, chopped
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef in a pan over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces.
2. Add kimchi, soy sauce, and vegetable oil to the pan, stirring to combine.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the kimchi is slightly caramelized.
4. Prepare fried rice by cooking cooked white rice with 1 egg, beaten, in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
5. Serve loco moco with fried rice on top, garnished with optional green onions and sesame seeds.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Pork Loco Moco with Pineapple Salsa
This Hawaiian-inspired dish combines tender BBQ pork, savory rice, and a sweet and tangy pineapple salsa for a flavor explosion. Perfect as a main course or appetizer, this recipe is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook pork strips in BBQ sauce over medium heat until caramelized.
3. Cook white rice according to package instructions.
4. Mix pineapple chunks with red onion, jalapeño pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil for the salsa.
5. Assemble loco moco by placing cooked rice on a plate, topping with BBQ pork, and serving with pineapple salsa.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Loco Moco Burger with Cheese and Onions
This burger takes the classic Loco Moco dish, typically consisting of a hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy, and gives it a twist by adding melted cheese and caramelized onions. The result is a savory and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 4 hamburger buns
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup brown gravy mix
– 2 slices American cheese
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Form the ground beef into 4 patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
3. Meanwhile, caramelize the onions by cooking them in a skillet with oil over low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Assemble the burgers by placing a patty on each bun, followed by a spoonful of rice, a fried egg, and a slice of cheese.
5. Drizzle brown gravy mix over the top and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Crispy Tofu Loco Moco with Mushroom Gravy
This recipe combines the comfort of traditional Loco Moco with the crispy texture and nutty flavor of pan-fried tofu, all wrapped up in a rich mushroom gravy. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 block extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 eggs, beaten (for egg wash)
– Cooked white rice
Instructions:
1. Dredge tofu cubes in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
2. Pan-fry tofu until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms with garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using) until tender.
4. Whisk together eggs and a pinch of salt for egg wash.
5. Assemble Loco Moco by placing tofu on top of cooked white rice, then spooning mushroom gravy over the tofu.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Breakfast Loco Moco with Bacon and Eggs
Breakfast Loco Moco with Bacon and Eggs
This breakfast twist on the classic Hawaiian dish is a flavorful and filling start to your day. By adding crispy bacon and fluffy eggs, you’ll take this comfort food to new heights.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
- 4 slices of bacon
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the bacon in a pan until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Fry the eggs in the same pan until desired doneness.
- In a separate bowl, mix together soy sauce and ketchup.
- To assemble, place cooked rice on a plate, followed by a slice of bacon, an egg, and drizzle with the soy-ketchup mixture. Repeat for remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time:
Approximately 15-20 minutes to cook all components.
Spam Loco Moco with Scallions
Get ready to elevate the humble Spam musubi to new heights with this innovative recipe that adds crispy fried shallots and savory gravy. This unique take on the classic Loco Moko combines sweet, salty, and umami flavors for a truly unforgettable taste experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of Spam, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice (preferably short-grain)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons beef broth
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
– 1/4 cup crispy fried shallots (see note)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Spam slices in a pan over medium-high heat until golden brown and crispy.
2. In a separate pan, combine soy sauce, beef broth, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Assemble the Loco Moko by placing cooked rice on a plate, topping with Spam slice, and spooning the gravy over it.
4. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and crispy fried shallots.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Loco Moco Sliders with Mini Patties
Take your love of loco moco to the next level with these bite-sized sliders, featuring mini beef patties, savory gravy, and creamy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 cup mini slider buns
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp ketchup
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Form mini beef patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the gravy by whisking together beef broth, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a small bowl.
4. Toast slider buns on the grill or in a toaster.
5. Assemble sliders by placing a mini patty on each bun, followed by a spoonful of cooked rice, and finishing with a drizzle of the savory gravy.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Meatball Loco Moco
A creative twist on the classic Hawaiian dish, this recipe combines juicy meatballs with a tangy sweet and sour sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice and topped with a fried egg. Perfect for a comforting meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
4. While the meatballs are cooking, heat sweet and sour sauce in a separate pan over medium-high heat.
5. Cook white rice according to package instructions.
6. Fry beaten eggs in a non-stick skillet with vegetable oil until the whites are set and yolks are still runny.
7. Assemble the loco moco by placing a meatball on top of cooked rice, spooning sweet and sour sauce over it, and finishing with a fried egg.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Loco Moco with Garlic Fried Rice
This beloved dish combines juicy ground beef, savory fried rice, and a runny egg, all wrapped up in a warm bun. With the added flavor of garlic, this Loco Moco recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 cups cooked Japanese rice (preferably day-old)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 eggs
– 4 hamburger buns
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: green onions, sesame seeds, pickled ginger
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef in a pan over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. In a separate pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add the cooked rice. Stir-fry until combined and heated through.
3. Cook the eggs in a pan over easy or sunny-side up.
4. Assemble the Loco Mocos by placing the beef and fried rice mixture onto a hamburger bun, topping with an egg and any desired toppings.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Kalua Pork Loco Moco with Cabbage
This recipe combines the classic flavors of Kalua pork and loco moco with a crunchy cabbage slaw, making for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Kalua pork (canned or homemade)
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 head of cabbage, shredded
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the Kalua pork in a pan with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ketchup until warm.
2. Cook white rice according to package instructions.
3. In a separate bowl, combine shredded cabbage and mayonnaise.
4. Assemble loco moco by placing cooked rice on a plate, topping with warmed Kalua pork, and finishing with a spoonful of cabbage slaw.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Loco Moco with Avocado and Sriracha Mayo
This Hawaiian-inspired dish gets a creamy and spicy boost from the addition of avocado and sriracha mayo. This twist on the classic loco moco recipe is perfect for those looking to add some excitement to their comfort food.
Ingredients:
– 1 hamburger patty
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the hamburger patty according to your preference.
2. In a separate pan, combine beef broth, ketchup, and sriracha sauce. Bring to a simmer.
3. Cook Japanese rice according to package instructions.
4. Assemble the loco moco by placing the hamburger patty on top of the cooked rice, then spooning the spicy beef broth mixture over it.
5. Spread the avocado and sriracha mayo mixture on top of the burger.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Loco Moco Stuffed Bell Peppers
Get ready to elevate your snack game with this creative take on the classic Hawaiian dish, Loco Moco. By stuffing bell peppers with savory rice, ground beef, and all the fixin’s, you’ll be in for a flavor explosion!
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup Loco Moco sauce (or your favorite brown gravy)
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
4. Add cooked rice, Loco Moco sauce, green onions, and cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture, filling to the top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Loco Moco Nachos with Cheese Sauce
Get ready to level up your nacho game with this creative fusion of classic Loco Moco and cheesy nachos! This recipe combines the savory flavors of a traditional Loco Moco with the comforting warmth of melted cheese sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tortilla chips
– 1 lb ground beef, cooked and seasoned with salt, pepper, and soy sauce
– 1 can of pineapple rings, drained and chopped
– 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
– 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, combine the cooked ground beef, pineapple, and green onions. Cook for about 5 minutes or until heated through.
3. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Spoon the Loco Moco mixture over the tortilla chips.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk together flour, milk, and salt until smooth. Bring to a simmer for about 2 minutes or until thickened.
7. Pour the cheese sauce over the nachos and bake for 10-12 minutes or until melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in comfort food heaven! This collection of 18 delicious loco moco recipes offers a wide range of creative twists on the classic Hawaiian dish. From spicy sriracha and savory teriyaki chicken to vegetarian mushroom and garlic butter shrimp, there’s something for everyone. With flavors like kimchi beef, BBQ pork, and crispy tofu, you’ll never get bored with these mouthwatering loco moco variations.
