Loco Moco from Zippy's features a juicy hamburger patty topped with a savory brown gravy and a sunny-side-up egg, served over fluffy white rice and accompanied by a side of steamed vegetables, offering a hearty and comforting Hawaiian classic.
Equipments
- Rice cooker
- Frying pan/skillet
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plate (for serving)
- Steamer or steaming basket
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg (for patty mixture)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 large eggs (for sunny-side-up)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.)
When preparing the hamburger patty, make sure to evenly mix ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, and the egg to maintain a juicy texture. Use Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to season the patty, enhancing the savory flavor essential to this dish. For the gravy, combining beef broth with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a cornstarch slurry creates the signature brown gravy that coats the patty. Cooking the eggs sunny-side-up requires careful attention to achieve runny yolks that complement the hearty rice and gravy. Your attempt at Zippy's Loco Moco from the copycat menu will be more authentic if you follow these ingredient tips closely.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Cook rice in the rice cooker according to package instructions.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, 1 egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Shape the mixture into hamburger patties.
- Heat the frying pan/skillet over medium heat and cook the patties until browned and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add beef broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce; stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce, whisking constantly until the gravy thickens.
- Steam mixed vegetables until just tender using a steamer or steaming basket.
- In a clean frying pan, cook the remaining eggs sunny-side-up.
- To assemble, place a mound of rice on each plate, top with a hamburger patty, pour gravy over the patty, and place a sunny-side-up egg on top.
- Serve with steamed vegetables on the side.
Substitution
Loco Moco from Zippy's copycat menu combines a flavorful hamburger patty with rich brown gravy, a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg, and steamed vegetables over fluffy white rice. If ground beef isn't available, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken, though flavor intensity may vary. When making the brown gravy, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to create a lighter sauce without compromising texture. To prevent the sunny-side-up egg from breaking, cook it gently in a nonstick frying pan with low heat and use a spatula to transfer it carefully. Your steamed vegetables can be swapped for frozen mixed vegetables if fresh ones are unavailable, ensuring convenience and consistent cooking results.
Tips
When shaping your hamburger patties, avoid overworking the meat to keep them tender and juicy. For the gravy, whisk the cornstarch slurry continuously as you add it to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency. Make sure to steam the vegetables just until tender-crisp to retain their vibrant color and nutrients. When cooking the sunny-side-up egg, keep the heat low to cook the whites fully without burning while maintaining a runny yolk for the authentic Loco Moco experience.
Nutritions
Loco Moco combines protein-rich ground beef and eggs, which provide essential amino acids and support muscle repair. The steamed mixed vegetables contribute fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, promoting digestive health and immune function. White rice offers a source of carbohydrates, supplying you with energy for daily activities. The savory brown gravy adds flavor while containing sodium, so it's important to balance your overall salt intake throughout the day.
Storage
Store leftover Loco Moco components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness; refrigerate cooked rice, hamburger patties, gravy, eggs, and steamed vegetables within two hours of cooking. Your cooked items can safely be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to two months, with rice best stored in flat, shallow containers for quicker cooling. When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop to heat each component thoroughly, especially the gravy and patties, while adding a splash of water or broth to rice to retain moisture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to create a lighter version of Loco Moco without sacrificing flavor. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers in the patty mixture. Consider cooking the eggs poached or over-easy instead of sunny-side-up to alter the texture. To add depth to the gravy, try incorporating caramelized onions or mushrooms before adding the broth and sauces.
Allergies
Loco Moco contains common allergens such as eggs, soy (from soy sauce), and gluten (from breadcrumbs and soy sauce), which could trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. The oyster sauce includes shellfish, posing a risk for shellfish allergies. If you have food allergies, make sure to verify each ingredient or consider alternatives to maintain your safety.
Why this recipe?
Zippy's Loco Moco menu is beloved for its satisfying combination of a juicy hamburger patty, savory brown gravy, fluffy white rice, and a perfectly cooked fried egg. The dish offers authentic Hawaiian comfort food flavors that balance richness with simple, hearty ingredients. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this iconic meal at home, ensuring fresh quality and personalized seasoning to suit Your taste. Its layered textures and rich umami profile make it a memorable culinary experience worth replicating.