Table of Contents
Imagine yourself sitting at a Hawaiian diner, surrounded by the comforting aroma of sizzling meat and hearty gravy. One dish stands out on every table—the iconic loco moco. This quintessential Hawaiian meal is a comforting medley of white rice, a juicy hamburger patty, a sunny-side-up egg, and the star of the show: loco moco gravy. Rich, savory, and full of umami, this Hawaiian brown gravy is what ties the dish together.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make loco moco gravy, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re recreating an island classic or looking for a versatile gravy recipe for other dishes, this step-by-step guide will have you whipping up a silky, flavorful sauce that takes your cooking to the next level.
How to Make Loco Moco Gravy
Ingredients
To make a mouthwatering loco moco gravy, you’ll need:
· For the Rice:
- 2 cups uncooked white rice
- Water, as needed
· For the Hamburger Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
· For the Gravy:
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
· For the Eggs:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
· For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions to Make Loco Moco Gravy
Instructions to Make Loco Moco Gravy
Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the rice under cool water until the water runs clear.
- Place the rinsed rice and the appropriate amount of water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Prepare the Hamburger Patties:
- Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape them into patties.
- Season both sides of each patty with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the patties to the skillet and sear for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside.
Make the Gravy:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to the residual fat and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add 1/2 cup of beef broth to the skillet, stirring constantly to combine and prevent lumps.
- Once the mixture is smooth, add the remaining 1 cup of beef broth and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
- Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, about 5 minutes.
- Whisk in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter for added richness.
- Season the gravy with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Fry the Eggs:
- In a separate non-stick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Crack the eggs into the skillet and fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny, achieving a sunny-side-up egg.
Assemble the Loco Moco:
- Place a serving of cooked rice on each plate.
- Top the rice with a hamburger patty.
- Generously spoon the beef gravy over the patty and rice.
- Place a fried egg on top of each patty.
- Garnish with sliced green onions.
Serve Immediately:
- Enjoy this hearty and comforting Hawaiian classic while it’s hot.
Tips for Making the Perfect Loco Moco Gravy
- Use Quality Beef Broth: The flavor of your gravy heavily depends on the broth. Opt for a high-quality or homemade beef broth for the best results.
- Don’t Skip the Roux: Properly cooking the flour in the butter ensures your gravy is smooth and free of a raw flour taste.
- Incorporate Pan Drippings: If you’re making hamburger patties, deglaze the pan with some beef broth and add those flavorful drippings to the gravy.
- Whisk Continuously: This prevents lumps and creates a silky texture.
- Taste as You Go: Regularly taste the gravy and adjust seasonings to suit your palate.
What to Serve with Loco Moco Gravy
Loco moco gravy isn’t just for loco moco! Pair it with:
- Steamed rice: The perfect base for soaking up all the savory gravy.
- Mashed potatoes: A comforting side that complements the gravy beautifully.
- Egg noodles: For a Hawaiian-inspired stroganoff.
- Grilled meats: Use the gravy as a rich sauce over steaks or pork chops.
For more inspiration, check out our Sourdough Grilled Cheese Recipe or pair this gravy with crispy Air Fryer Italian Sausage for a unique fusion.
Variations
The beauty of loco moco gravy lies in its versatility. While the classic version is perfect as is, there are plenty of ways to adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations to try:
1. Vegetarian or Vegan Loco Moco Gravy
- Vegetarian: Swap the beef broth for a hearty vegetable broth. Mushroom broth works especially well as it brings an earthy and umami-rich flavor.
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter or olive oil in place of regular butter. Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a vegan-friendly option, and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegan (some versions contain anchovies).
2. Spicy Loco Moco Gravy
- Add a Hawaiian twist to your gravy by incorporating some heat. A pinch of cayenne pepper, a splash of hot sauce, or even a teaspoon of sambaloelek will add a spicy kick that complements the savoryflavors.
3. Mushroom Loco Moco Gravy
- Enhance the texture and flavor of your gravy by sautéing sliced mushrooms and stirring them into the sauce. The mushrooms not only add heartiness but also pair beautifully with the rich, umami flavors of loco moco gravy.
4. Creamy Loco Moco Gravy
- For a decadent twist, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking. This creates a velvety, luscious gravy that pairs exceptionally well with the hamburger patty and rice.
5. Garlic Herb Loco Moco Gravy
- Elevate your gravy by adding freshly minced garlic and chopped herbs like thyme or parsley. This variation introduces a more aromatic and sophisticated flavor profile, perfect for special occasions.
6. Pan Drippings Gravy
- Don’t let the flavorful bits from cooking your hamburger patties go to waste! After cooking the patties, deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth and scrape up those browned bits. Use this as the base for your loco moco gravy to add a smoky and savory depth.
7. Gluten-Free Loco Moco Gravy
- For those avoiding gluten, replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. If using cornstarch, dissolve it in water first to avoid lumps.
8. Hawaiian BBQ Gravy
- Mix a tablespoon of Hawaiian BBQ sauce into the gravy for a sweet and tangy flavor twist. This is a great option if you’re serving the loco moco as part of a Hawaiian-themed meal.
With these variations, you can customize your loco moco gravy to suit any palate or occasion while staying true to the essence of this Hawaiian classic.
FAQs While Making Loco Moco Gravy
Why is my loco moco gravy too thin?
If your gravy hasn’t thickened as expected, it may be due to not cooking the roux long enough or adding too much liquid. To fix this, whisk in a slurry made of 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water. Let it simmer until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make this gravy gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, dissolve it in cold water before adding it to the gravy to avoid lumps.
What can I do if my gravy tastes bland?
heflavor of loco moco gravy comes from the balance of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. If it tastes bland, add a dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for more umami. You can also mix in a pinch of garlic or onion powder for an extra kick.
How do I store leftover loco moco gravy?
Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so over low heat, and add a splash of beef broth or water to restore its silky texture.
What is loco moco?
Loco moco is a classic Hawaiian dish comprising white rice, a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and loco moco gravy. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any time of the day.
How do I prevent lumps in my gravy?
Whisk continuously when adding the beef broth to the roux. Gradually pour the liquid while whisking to ensure a smooth consistency.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the gravy in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Substitutes
- Butter: Substitute with margarine or olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Beef Broth: Use chicken or vegetable stock, though the flavor profile will change.
- Soy Sauce: Swap with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Use balsamic vinegar or soy sauce as an alternative.
Nutrition of Loco Moco Gravy
A 1/4-cup serving of loco moco gravy contains approximately:
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Creating the perfect loco moco gravy is easier than you think. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to make a rich and flavorful gravy that elevates your loco moco or any dish it accompanies. Whether you’re preparing it for a traditional Hawaiian meal or experimenting with your creations, this loco moco gravy recipe is sure to impress.
Explore more delicious ideas, such as our Nutella Puff Pastry or Fried Rice on Blackstone for inspiration!
