Hawaiian Brown Gravy (Loco Moco Gravy)

Hawaiian brown gravy, also called Loco Moco gravy, brings the flavors of the Hawaiian islands straight to your kitchen. This savory sauce turns a simple plate of rice, a hamburger patty, and a fried egg into a comforting dish loved for decades.

Hawaiian brown gravy is a rich, flavorful sauce made with a roux, beef broth, soy sauce, and a touch of cream. This combination creates the signature taste that makes Loco Moco so iconic.

The dish started on the Big Island, where local cafés like Café 100 and Rainbow Drive-In made it a staple of Hawaiian comfort food. It comes together quickly with basic pantry ingredients, but delivers a depth of flavor that feels like a taste of island life.

Why You Will Love Hawaiian Brown Gravy (Loco Moco Gravy)

Hawaiian brown gravy transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels comforting and satisfying. It pairs rich, savory notes with a smooth texture that works well with rice, beef patties, or eggs.

Many enjoy it as a comfort food because it balances hearty flavors with a homemade style. The gravy has a mild sweetness, a touch of saltiness, and depth from soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce.

The umami flavor gives the sauce a richness that enhances plain rice or a simple hamburger patty. This turns them into something memorable.

Key reasons people appreciate this gravy:

• Versatility: Works with rice, beef, chicken, or vegetables.
• Quick to make: Often ready in 10 minutes.
• Balanced flavor: Combines savory, sweet, and creamy notes.
• Texture: Smooth and thick without being heavy.

You can easily adapt the recipe. Use vegetable broth, dairy alternatives, or plant-based patties for a vegetarian version while keeping the same satisfying taste.

This gravy connects with Hawaiian food culture, where simple, filling meals are valued. A few pantry staples create a dish that feels both familiar and unique.

How To Make Hawaiian Brown Gravy (Loco Moco Gravy)

This gravy builds its flavor from butter, flour, and beef stock. Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup add depth.

A simple skillet and whisk are all you need to create a smooth sauce. It ties together rice, a beef patty, and a fried egg.

Ingredients

The foundation of loco moco gravy starts with butter and all-purpose flour. These form a roux that thickens the sauce.

Beef stock or beef broth provides richness and body. Flavor comes from soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup, balanced with a small amount of sugar.

Black pepper or a mix of salt and pepper seasons the gravy. A splash of heavy cream gives it a smoother finish.

If the sauce remains thin, add a slurry of cornstarch and cold water. Optional toppings like chopped green onions add freshness when serving.

Instruments

Making brown gravy for loco moco requires only a few tools. A skillet or saucepan with a heavy bottom helps distribute heat evenly.

A sturdy whisk blends the flour into the butter and keeps the gravy lump-free as you add liquid. A wooden spoon helps scrape the bottom of the pan.

Use standard measuring cups and spoons for the right balance of broth, sauces, and seasonings. A small bowl is useful for mixing cornstarch with water if you need to thicken the sauce.

If preparing the full loco moco recipe, use a separate pan or cast-iron skillet to cook the ground beef patties and fry the eggs.

Step-By-Step Instruction

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once it foams, whisk in flour to create a roux.

Cook until it turns golden brown to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef stock, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Stir in ketchup, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens. Add soy sauce and a splash of cream, then season with black pepper.

If the gravy is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and whisk it in until the sauce thickens. Serve the gravy over rice, a cooked beef patty, and a fried egg.

Garnish with green onions if desired.

Tips & Tricks

Cook the butter and flour until the foaming stops to avoid a raw flour taste. This gives the gravy a smooth base.

Season with regular soy sauce for enough saltiness. If you use low-sodium soy sauce, add a pinch of salt at the end.

Keep a quick mix of 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water nearby if the gravy turns out too thin. Whisk it in and simmer for a minute to thicken the sauce.

Small changes in ingredients can make a big difference. A splash of cream adds richness, while ketchup balances the savory flavors with a touch of tang.

For a lighter version, swap in milk or plant-based alternatives. A few practical habits help keep the process simple:

• Whisk constantly to avoid lumps.
• Use medium heat so the gravy doesn’t scorch.
• Make extra and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Ingredient Substitute

When making Hawaiian brown gravy for Loco Moco, you can swap ingredients to match dietary needs or what you have on hand. Substitutions may change the flavor slightly, but the dish still keeps its comforting style.

Replace beef broth with mushroom broth or full mushroom gravy for a vegetarian-friendly dish. The earthy taste of mushrooms adds depth without losing richness.

Swap the classic hamburger patty with ground turkey for a lighter option. You can also use Spam or bacon for a saltier, smokier flavor.

Instead of heavy cream, use milk for a lighter texture. Non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk works if you avoid dairy products.

Here’s a quick reference table for swaps:

Original Ingredient	Substitute Options	Notes
Beef broth	Mushroom broth, vegetable broth	Keeps gravy savory, less meaty
Beef patty	Ground turkey, Spam, bacon	Adjusts flavor and fat content
Heavy cream	Milk, non-dairy milk	Lighter or dairy-free option

These changes let the gravy and the full Loco Moco dish fit different tastes and diets while staying close to its Hawaiian roots.

What To Serve With Hawaiian Brown Gravy (Loco Moco Gravy)

Hawaiian brown gravy is most often enjoyed with loco moco. This plate combines cooked rice, a juicy hamburger patty, a fried egg, and savory gravy poured on top.

The gravy also pairs well with mashed potatoes or hamburger steak. For variety, spoon it over teriyaki chicken or use it as a topping for ground beef patties.

A classic Hawaiian plate lunch often includes sides like Hawaiian macaroni salad. Its creamy, tangy flavor balances the salty richness of the gravy and beef.

Some serving ideas:

Main Dish Option	Side Pairing Suggestion
Loco Moco (rice, patty, egg, gravy)	Macaroni salad
Mashed potatoes with gravy	Steamed vegetables
Teriyaki chicken with gravy	Pickled cucumber salad
Hamburger steak with gravy	Garlic fried rice

These pairings focus on simple, hearty foods that let the gravy shine and offer balance in texture and taste.

How To Store Hawaiian Brown Gravy (Loco Moco Gravy)

Use an airtight container to keep the gravy fresh and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge. Glass containers work best since they reheat evenly.

Gravy lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freeze gravy for about 2–3 months. Portion it into smaller containers so you only thaw what you need.

Reheat the gravy gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef stock or water if needed to restore the smooth consistency. If using a microwave, pause to stir and prevent uneven heating.

Quick Reference Table:

Storage Method	Container Type	Shelf Life	Notes
Refrigerator	Airtight container	Up to 3 days	Cool before sealing, stir when reheating
Freezer	Airtight container	2–3 months	Portion into small batches for easy use

Nutrition Breakdown

Hawaiian brown gravy for Loco Moco is usually light in calories and fat when prepared from a dry mix. A standard serving of the NOH Foods mix (about 12 g dry, makes ½ cup prepared) contains 0 g fat, making it a lean option compared to cream-based gravies.

The calorie count per serving is modest. One prepared portion averages around 25–30 calories, depending on the mix and the amount of water used.

Sodium is the main nutrient to watch. Packaged mixes often contain 400–500 mg sodium per serving, which can add up quickly if you pair them with other salty foods.

Those monitoring their salt intake should take this into account.

Below is a simple overview of typical values for one prepared serving (½ cup):

Nutrient	Approx. Amount
Calories	25–30 kcal
Fat	0 g
Carbohydrates	5–6 g
Protein	<1 g
Sodium	400–500 mg

Homemade versions may vary. When you make gravy from scratch with beef broth, butter, or drippings, the fat and calorie content can rise.

Using low-sodium broth or thickening with cornstarch instead of butter can reduce these amounts.

The rice, beef patty, and egg in a Loco Moco meal contribute most of the calories and protein. The gravy mainly adds flavor with a relatively small calorie load.