Loco Moco: What It Is and How to Make It

Loco moco is an iconic Hawaiian comfort food that has been widely adopted all over the world. The simple yet satisfying dish consists of white rice topped with a sunny-side up egg, a hamburger patty, and gravy, and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A cultural mashup of Western and Asian cuisines, loco moco exemplifies Hawaii’s role as a melting pot of culture in the center of the Pacific Ocean.

While there are different varieties of loco moco, most will agree that it’s a drool-worthy, gluttonous Hawaiian treasure, ideal for a rainy or chilly day. Give it a try today!

The History of Loco Moco

Many people claim to have invented loco moco; however, it is generally acknowledged that it was created around 1949 at either Cafe 100 or the Lincoln Grill (both in Hilo, Hawaii, though Lincoln Grill is now closed). It’s often said that the dish was put together by Nancy Inouye (wife-owner of Lincoln Grill), who created it for customers wanting something other than standard American sandwiches for breakfast, less time-consuming than from-scratch Asian food, and cheap enough for young people to afford.

After adding it to the restaurant menu, Nancy approached her husband and the chef, asking them what it should be named. They agreed that since the kids were so nuts about it, they should call it “loco moco” (loco means “crazy” in Hawaiian pidgin). Another legend claims it was named after the first boy to eat it, whose nickname was Loco.

Whatever the origins of the dish, loco moco has come to represent Hawaiian plate lunch food, filling a surfer’s ravenous appetite while also healing the occasional hangover.

The 4 Key Components of Loco Moco

While there’s not one exact recipe for loco moco, you really can’t mess it up. The ingredients are easy to find, which is likely why the dish is so popular all around the world. Once you understand the four major components, you’re well on your way to loco moco success:

Rice

Due to their higher starch content, short-grain sushi rice and medium-grain Calrose rice are the preferred varieties for loco moco.

Hamburger Patty

Onions, soy sauce, panko (Japanese bread crumbs), and an egg (for binding) are often used to make the hamburger patties. Alternatively, you can buy pre-made patties at the store, or substitute the patty with Portuguese sausage, Spam, or chicken katsu.

Gravy

Locally, loco moco is made with beef gravy made with onions and a dash of soy sauce. If you’re in a pinch, use a gravy packet, canned or jarred gravy, or even Zippy’s Chili.

Egg

There are varying opinions on how to cook the eggs, but it’s hard to beat sunny side up. After all, breaking the egg yolk and drizzling it over the rice distinguishes this meal and and adds a hearty richness. Each hamburger patty gets one egg.

Hoping to try loco moco for yourself? Order now on Shef!