A Loco Moco is a popular Hawaiian dish that typically consists of a bed of steamed rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and gravy. While the traditional Loco Moco doesn’t typically include specific spices, you can enhance the flavors by incorporating spices in different components of the dish.
Below are some spices you can consider using on a Loco Moco. Below that, we’ll discuss a complete recipe for making one.
Spices To Use On A Loco Moco
- Salt and Pepper: These common spices are used to season the hamburger patty and can add depth of flavor to the meat.
- Garlic Powder: Adding a sprinkle of garlic powder to the hamburger patty or even the gravy can impart a savory and aromatic element to the dish.
- Onion Powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder can provide a subtle onion flavor to the hamburger patty or gravy.
- Worcestershire Sauce: While not a spice, Worcestershire sauce can be used to season the hamburger patty, adding a tangy and umami flavor.
- Paprika: This spice can add a touch of smokiness and mild heat to the hamburger patty.
- Soy Sauce: A drizzle of soy sauce on the rice or in the gravy can add a salty and savory note to the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: If you prefer some heat, adding red pepper flakes to the gravy or sprinkling it over the dish can give it a spicy kick.
Remember, these spice suggestions are optional and can be adjusted according to your personal taste preferences. Feel free to experiment and customize the flavors of your Loco Moco to create a dish that suits your palate.
Recipe For Making A Loco Moco
Here’s a recipe for making a classic Loco Moco along with suggested spices to add to the flavor:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups beef gravy (homemade or store-bought)
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well and shape into four hamburger patties. Add paprika, garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavor if desired.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add a little cooking oil. Cook the hamburger patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through to your desired doneness. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet or a separate one, fry the eggs to your desired doneness (typically sunny-side-up or over-easy).
- Meanwhile, warm the beef gravy in a saucepan over low heat.
- To assemble the Loco Moco, place a scoop of cooked white rice on a plate. Top with a hamburger patty and a fried egg. Pour a generous amount of beef gravy over the patty and rice.
- Optional: Garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. Soy sauce can be added to the rice and you can use red pepper flakes for some heat if desired.
- Serve the Loco Moco immediately while still warm.
Note: Feel free to customize your Loco Moco by adding additional toppings or sauces such as sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or hot sauce according to your preference.
