You're likely thinking of Loco Moco, a quintessential Hawaiian comfort food. There isn't a widely recognized dish called 'Loco Poco.' Loco Moco is a hearty, satisfying meal consisting of a bed of white rice, topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg (usually sunny-side up), and smothered in a rich brown gravy. It's a staple in Hawaii, often found in diners and local eateries, and is surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe serves 2, with a prep time of 15 minutes and an active cook time of 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- For the Rice: 1 cup uncooked short-grain white rice, 2 cups water
- For the Patties: 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp soy sauce
- For the Gravy: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion, 1 clove minced garlic, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to taste
- For the Eggs: 2 large eggs, 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Steps
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. (Alternatively, use a rice cooker.)
- Prepare and Cook the Patties: In a bowl, gently mix ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Do not overmix, as this can make the patties tough. Form into two equal-sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Remove patties from skillet and set aside on a plate, reserving any drippings in the pan for the gravy.
- Make the Gravy (The Skill Gate): Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet with the reserved drippings. Once melted, add the finely diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux – this cooks out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
- Fry the Eggs: In a separate non-stick skillet, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Crack eggs into the hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes for sunny-side up with a runny yolk, or longer if you prefer a firmer yolk.
- Assemble the Loco Moco: Divide the cooked white rice between two plates. Place one hamburger patty on top of the rice on each plate. Carefully place a fried egg on top of each patty. Generously spoon the warm brown gravy over the entire dish. Serve immediately.
Pro tip: For an extra layer of flavor in your gravy, deglaze the pan after cooking the patties with a splash of beef broth or water before adding the butter and onions. This incorporates all those delicious browned bits (fond) into your gravy. Also, ensure your skillet is hot enough for the patties to get a good sear, but not so hot that they burn before cooking through.