Ono Grindz 808
Plate Lunch

Hamburger Steak

A thick beef patty smothered in onion gravy — the plate lunch answer to Salisbury steak.

Hamburger Steak
Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Total45 min
Serves4

Hamburger steak is loco moco's less famous cousin: a hand-formed beef patty, seared hard, then simmered in a deeply savory onion gravy until tender enough to cut with a fork. No rice bowl construction required — just patty, gravy, and whatever sides round out the plate.

The gravy is where all the effort goes: caramelized onions, a proper roux, and a splash of Worcestershire for backbone. Get that right and the dish takes care of itself.

How fo’ make ’um

  1. Combine the ground beef, panko, egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and shape into 4 thick oval patties.
  2. Sear the patties in a hot, oiled skillet, 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply browned but not cooked through. Remove and set aside; don't wash the pan.
  3. In the same pan, add the sliced onion and cook over medium heat 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
  4. Push the onions to the side, add butter to the cleared space, and whisk in the flour. Cook 1 minute, then stir it through the onions.
  5. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, Worcestershire, and shoyu. Bring to a simmer until the gravy thickens enough to coat a spoon.
  6. Return the patties to the pan, spoon gravy over them, cover, and simmer 8–10 minutes until cooked through. Serve over rice with extra gravy spooned on top.

Local tips

  • Searing the patties before saucing builds a crust that holds up under the gravy instead of turning mushy.
  • A dimple pressed into the center of each patty keeps it from puffing into a dome as it cooks.
  • Leftover gravy makes excellent gravy rice the next day, patty or no patty.

Keep grinding

More liddis

← All recipes