Okay, grab a seat at the kitchen table, because I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite comfort food recipes with you: Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl! I remember the first time I tasted a Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl. We were on vacation, and that rich, savory gravy, combined with the perfectly cooked burger and rice, was just… magical. I knew I had to recreate it at home.
I won’t lie, it took a few tries to get it just right. One time, the gravy was way too salty (oops!), and another time, the burger patties were drier than the Sahara Desert. But after some tweaking (and a little help from my mom’s cooking wisdom), I finally nailed a Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl recipe that my whole family adores. The sizzle of the burger, the aroma of the gravy simmering – it fills the kitchen with a warmth that makes my heart happy. You know, the kind of happiness that only comes from feeding people you love.
What I really love about this Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl recipe is how versatile it is. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when everyone’s starving, but it’s also fancy enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s a lifesaver on those crazy days when I need a quick and satisfying meal. I swear, my kids could eat this every single day. There’s something so comforting about the combination of flavors and textures. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, you know?
I’m telling you, you HAVE to try this! Don’t be intimidated by the gravy – it’s actually really easy once you get the hang of it. I promise, this Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl will become a family favorite in your house, just like it has in mine. So, let’s get cooking, shall we? I’m here to guide you every step of the way. And if I can do it (with all my kitchen mishaps!), you definitely can! Check out this low-carb Greek chicken bowls recipe, which is another bowl recipe that’s quick and easy, for some extra inspiration!
Ingredients for Your Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl
- 1 pound ground beef (I always use 80/20 for my Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl because it gives the burgers that juicy flavor. If you prefer leaner, go for it, but add a little oil to the pan when cooking.)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (This is my secret ingredient for adding depth of flavor to the burgers!)
- 2 cups cooked white rice (I always use short-grain rice because that’s what my grandma always used, and it just feels right for this Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl. But any rice you like will work!)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
When making Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl, I always try to buy my ground beef from the butcher counter. It’s usually fresher and tastes better. My mom always added a dash of onion powder to her burgers, so I do that too for my Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl. It reminds me of her!
A little kitchen wisdom for you: don’t overmix the ground beef when you’re forming the patties. Overmixing makes the burgers tough. Just gently combine the ingredients until they’re evenly distributed. For a shortcut, you can use pre-cooked rice if you’re really short on time making this Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl.
For cost-saving tips, buy beef broth in bulk – it’s usually cheaper that way. As for storing ingredients, make sure to keep your ground beef properly refrigerated until you’re ready to use it. Cooked rice can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can always explore A Classic Loco Moco – Ono Hawaiian Recipes, for ideas!
How to Make Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl: Step-by-Step
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Don’t overmix! Form the mixture into four equal patties. In my kitchen, Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl patty-making usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the burger patties in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the burgers are cooked through and nicely browned. I learned the hard way with Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl that if you overcrowd the pan, the burgers will steam instead of sear. So, cook them in batches if you need to!
- Remove the burgers from the skillet and set aside on a plate, covering them with foil to keep them warm. Don’t worry if your Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl burgers aren’t perfectly shaped – they’ll still taste amazing!
- In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out – all those browned bits are flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a smooth paste (this is called a roux). This is the base for your Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl gravy, so take your time!
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. While the Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl is simmering, I usually start frying the eggs.
- While the gravy is simmering, fry the eggs in a separate skillet. I like mine sunny-side up, but you can cook them however you like. In my family, some like their eggs runny, and others like them cooked all the way through. It’s all good!
- To assemble the Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl, place a scoop of rice in a bowl. Top with a burger patty, then smother with gravy. Finally, top with a fried egg. Your Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl should smell like savory beef, rich gravy, and deliciousness!
While cooking, I often listen to music. It makes the whole process more enjoyable. And a family-tested Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl time-saver? Make the gravy ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the bowls. Check out this grilled chicken avocado salad bowl for another bowl recipe idea! For more tips on Authentic Loco Moco, check out this Plays Well With Butter recipe!
Serving Suggestions
My family enjoys this Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl when I serve it with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies. The kids love our Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl when I let them add their own toppings, like green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
This Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend brunch. I’ve even served it at potlucks, and it’s always a hit. When it comes to presentation, I like to sprinkle a little chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Chopped cilantro also adds a nice fresh flavor!
If you have extra Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl, the leftover burger and gravy are great in sandwiches the next day. Or, you can chop up the burger and add it to fried rice. I’ve even made a Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl breakfast burrito with the leftovers – so good!
One seasonal Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl variation I’ve tried is adding a little bit of pineapple to the gravy. It gives it a touch of sweetness that’s really nice. My friends always ask for this Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl recipe whenever I make it. They can’t believe how easy it is! Loco Moco gravy is not as hard to make as you think. My kids always ask for a Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl whenever they are craving Hawaiian comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Absolutely! Ground turkey works great in this Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl. Just make sure to add a little extra oil to the pan when cooking, as ground turkey tends to be drier than ground beef. You know what I do when my Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl burgers are made with ground turkey? I mix in a little bit of breadcrumbs to help bind them together. My family loves it either way!
- Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
- Yes, definitely! The gravy can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. My readers have told me that this is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when making this Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl.
- What kind of rice is best for Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl?
- Traditionally, white rice is used for Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl. But honestly, any rice you like will work. I personally prefer short-grain rice because it’s a little stickier, but you can also use long-grain rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. It’s all about personal preference!
- How do I prevent the gravy from being lumpy?
- The key to a smooth gravy is to whisk the flour into the melted butter really well and cook it for a minute or two before adding the beef broth. This helps to eliminate any lumps. If you do end up with a lumpy gravy, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lumps. I’ve been there with Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl lumps more times than I care to admit!
- Can I add vegetables to the gravy?
- Definitely! Adding some chopped onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the gravy is a great way to add extra flavor and nutrients. Just sauté the vegetables in the skillet before adding the butter and flour. My kids actually prefer this when I make a Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl.
- How do I keep the burgers from drying out?
- Don’t overcook them! Cook the burgers until they’re just cooked through, and then remove them from the skillet immediately. Covering them with foil while you make the gravy will also help to keep them moist. I also like to add a little bit of breadcrumbs to the ground beef mixture to help retain moisture.
- Can I freeze Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl?
- While you can freeze the individual components of Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl (the burgers, gravy, and rice), I don’t recommend freezing the assembled bowls. The eggs tend to get rubbery when frozen and thawed. But freezing the burgers and gravy separately is a great way to have a quick and easy meal on hand for busy nights. For more ideas on cooking a Loco Moco, check out this recipe: The Best Classic Hawaiian Loco Moco with Brown Gravy – Little …!
Final Thoughts on the Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl
This Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my family vacations. It’s a dish that brings us all together, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Embrace the aloha spirit and give this recipe a try!
My Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl Pro Tips:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the gravy! Add different spices or herbs to create your own unique flavor.
- Use a cast iron skillet for cooking the burgers. It gives them a nice, crispy sear.
- Top the Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl with some green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Here are a few Loco Moco variations I’ve tried with my family:
- Spicy Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy.
- Mushroom Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl: Sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them to the gravy.
- Kimchi Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl: Top the bowl with some kimchi for a tangy and spicy kick.
My son loves the spicy version, while my daughter prefers the mushroom version. My husband is a purist and always goes for the classic Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl. No matter what variation you choose, I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. Give this sweet potato taco bowl recipe a try for another bowl recipe!
Don’t be afraid to make this Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl your own. Add your own personal touches and create a dish that your family will love. I hope your Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl cooking experience is filled with joy, laughter, and delicious food! Remember this is a Hawaiian comfort food that will feed the family.
Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl
This Loco Moco Hawaiian Bowl is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring a juicy hamburger patty served over rice, smothered in gravy, and topped with a fried egg. A taste of the islands in every bite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 egg
- Optional: Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Season ground beef with salt and pepper. Form into a patty.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the hamburger patty for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux.
- Slowly pour in beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
- While the gravy simmers, fry the egg to your desired doneness.
- Assemble the bowl: Place rice in a bowl, top with the hamburger patty, smother with gravy, and top with the fried egg.
- Garnish with green onions, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra touch of Hawaiian flavor, add a slice of grilled pineapple to the bowl!