A typical day, doing typical things…one of which was bingeing on the Cooking Channel, particularly Beach Bites with host Katie Lee.  After a couple of hours and a handful of episodes later,  I was definitely  inspired.

A traditional loco moco consists of white rice, topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.   But, if you’re a mushroom lover like me, you’ll want to try my version!

Serves 4

Ingredients
•1 lb. organic ground beef, divide in four (Season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, shape into patties and cook to your preference)
•Mushroom gravy*
•Fried egg, sunny-side up
•Steam rice
•Sesame seeds (or Sushi Seasoning)

*Mushroom Gravy

Ingredients / Direction
•4 tbsp organic unsalted butter
•1/4 cup onions, sliced
•1 garlic clove, minced
•2 c. organic mushrooms / or 1 package
•2 tbsp Worcester sauce, plus extra to taste
•1/3 cup heavy cream*
•1 bay leaf
•1 sprig fresh sage/ or 1/2 tsp dry herb sage
•1/2 c. water, plus extra (as needed)
•1 tsp arrow-root

Combine all ingredients in a pre-heated small pot. Reduce heat to low, stirring occasionally. Cook for approximately 15 minutes or until all ingredients form a creamy texture. Cover pot until ready to serve.

Heavy Cream Substitute

Ingredients
•3/4 cup milk
•1/3 cup butter

1. Melt the butter on the stove, stirring constantly over medium heat (or melt it in the microwave by heating it for 10 seconds at a time). Cut it into small pieces, so it melts faster. Butter burns easily, so remove it from the heat when most of the butter has melted, and continue stirring until the remaining portion has melted.
2. Pour melted butter into the milk, and stir.
3. Use your substitute in place of one cup of heavy cream.

Loco Moco Assembly

1. In individual bowls place steamed rice on the bottom, then the patty on top of rice.
2. Scoop atop the patty and rice a generous portion of the mushroom gravy.
3. Place sunny-side up egg on top of patty and rice. Season egg with sushi seasoning (or a pinch of Sesame seeds)
4. Complete ensemble with a garnish of fresh chives or a side dish of Kim chi
5. Drizzle with Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.
ONO!