Zip Pac from Zippy's features a hearty combination of flavorful loco moco with seasoned hamburger patty, fluffy white rice, rich brown gravy, and a sunny-side-up egg, served alongside savory macaroni salad and crisp mixed greens, creating a satisfying and comforting meal with a mix of textures.
Equipments
- Plate or food tray
- Bowl
- Frying pan
- Spatula
- Saucepan
- Ladle
- Rice cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Measuring cup
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg (for patty mixture)
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 large eggs (for sunny-side-up)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup milk (for macaroni salad)
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1/2 lb (225g) elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (for macaroni salad)
- Lettuce
- Cucumber
- Tomato
Ground beef quality significantly impacts the flavor of your seasoned hamburger patty, so choose fresh, well-marbled beef for best results. Breadcrumbs and milk in the patty mixture help maintain moisture and tenderness, ensuring a juicy outcome. Using freshly cooked white rice with a fluffy texture is essential to complement the rich brown gravy, which should be thickened with flour and butter for perfect consistency. The macaroni salad calls for a balanced combination of mayonnaise, mustard, and crisp vegetables like celery and carrots to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty loco moco. Zip Pac from Zippy's copycat menu delivers this classic Hawaiian comfort food experience by combining these carefully selected ingredients into a satisfying meal.
Instructions
- Cook white rice in rice cooker.
- Boil elbow macaroni until tender; drain and cool.
- Mix macaroni with mayonnaise, milk (for macaroni salad), mustard, shredded carrots, chopped celery, and chopped onion; chill in bowl.
- Shape ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper into patties.
- Fry hamburger patties in frying pan with oil until browned and cooked through.
- Remove patties; make gravy by melting butter in saucepan, whisking in flour, then slowly adding beef broth and Worcestershire sauce; simmer until thickened.
- Cook sunny-side-up eggs in frying pan.
- Slice lettuce, cucumber, and tomato for mixed greens; arrange on plate.
- Place seasoned hamburger patty over a scoop of cooked rice; ladle brown gravy on top.
- Add sunny-side-up egg over patty and rice.
- Serve with a side of macaroni salad and mixed greens on plate or tray.
Substitution
Zip Pac from Zippy's copycat menu offers a convenient way to enjoy a classic Hawaiian loco moco meal at home. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be used as a substitute to maintain the savory depth in the gravy. For the macaroni salad, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier option. When cooking the sunny-side-up eggs, use a non-stick frying pan and a moderate heat to avoid overcooking the yolks. Your lettuce and tomato side can be easily swapped with mixed greens or other fresh vegetables depending on availability.
Tips
Ensure ground beef patties are evenly sized for uniform cooking and avoid undercooked centers by frying over medium heat until internal temperature reaches 160degF (71degC). Use fresh eggs for sunny-side-up to achieve a firm white and runny yolk, cooking gently in vegetable oil to prevent sticking or burning. When making the brown gravy, continuously whisk flour into melted butter to form a smooth roux before gradually adding broth, preventing lumps for a rich texture. Remember to chill the macaroni salad thoroughly to meld flavors and maintain its creamy consistency when served alongside your loco moco plate.
Nutritions
Zip Pac from Zippy's offers a nutrient-rich meal combining protein from the seasoned hamburger patty and sunny-side-up egg, essential carbohydrates from fluffy white rice and elbow macaroni, and healthy fats from vegetable oil and mayonnaise. Your body benefits from vitamins and fiber provided by the fresh mixed greens, including lettuce, cucumber, and tomato. The brown gravy adds calories and flavor with beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, while the macaroni salad contributes additional energy and some antioxidants from vegetables like carrots and celery. This balanced combination supports sustained energy and muscle maintenance.
Storage
Store your Zip Pac meal components separately to maintain freshness and texture. Keep cooked hamburger patties, rice, and brown gravy in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Macaroni salad and mixed greens should be stored in chilled containers, with greens ideally consumed within 1-2 days for optimal crispness.
Variation or Alternatives
Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner loco moco variation. Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa to boost fiber content and add a nutty flavor to your meal. Try a mushroom gravy by sauteing finely chopped mushrooms in butter before adding flour and broth, enhancing umami richness. You can also substitute the macaroni salad with a lighter vinaigrette-based pasta salad using whole wheat pasta and fresh herbs for a refreshing side.
Allergies
Your Zip Pac from Zippy's contains common allergens such as eggs, milk, and wheat (from breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour), which may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. The dish also includes mayonnaise, which contains eggs, and mustard in the macaroni salad, both potential allergens. If you have known allergies to these ingredients, it's important to check with the restaurant or avoid this meal to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Zippy's Zip Pac menu offers a variety of iconic Hawaiian comfort foods like loco moco, BBQ chicken, and saimin in a convenient, affordable combo that satisfies diverse cravings. You enjoy generous portions crafted with flavorful, locally inspired ingredients that reflect authentic island tastes. Replicating this menu at home allows you to capture Zippy's distinctive culinary experience while customizing dishes to your preference. The Zip Pac's blend of nostalgia and practicality makes it a standout choice worth recreating.