LOCO MOCO

On the big island of Hawaii in 1949, some high school kids requested this dish from a local roadside diner and named it Loco Moco. “Loco” because one of the kids nickname was Loco (crazy), and “Moco” because it rhymed with Loco, not considering it means “mucous” in Spanish! Regardless of the mental connotation, it is widely considering Hawaii’s favorite diner dish and can be found in many versions at most locally owned roadside diners.

I lived on Oahu in the early 70’s, and this was my favorite version of Loco Moco.

Ingredients:

For the patties:

• 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef

• 1/2 cup diced onions

• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the gravy:

• 1/2 cup of diced onions

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Pinch of red pepper flakes

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 1 cup beef stock

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp Worcestershire1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 3-4 cups cooked white rice

• 4 eggs, cooked sunny side up

• Chopped chives or green onions

Directions:

• Place the ground beef in a mixing bowl and add 1/2 cup diced onions, 1 tsp Worcestershire, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt and pepper. With your hands, everything together completely. Form into 4 (4 ounces) patties, season with salt and pepper and set aside.

• Place a saucepan over medium low heat and add 2 tsp canola oil. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring, for about 4-5 minutes until the onions are translucent. Add the red pepper flakes and the minced garlic and stir another 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.

• Add the stocks and bring to a simmer. Add the soy sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook for about 5 minutes.

• Stir the cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water in a small bowl then stir into the simmering gravy. Allow to simmer until thickened. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm until ready to use.

• Cook the ground beef patties in a large skillet until deeply browned on both sides.

• To serve, place some cooked white rice on a plate. Place a patty on the rice then spoon over the brown gravy. Add a cooked sunny side up egg. Garnish with chopped chives and serve.

• Sometimes, this plate is served with a small side of macaroni salad.