If you’ve ever wanted to bring a true taste of Ireland to your dinner table, the Gaelic Irish Steaks with Cream and Colcannon Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish brilliantly marries the rich, tender flavors of perfectly seared sirloin steaks with the creamy, buttery goodness of traditional colcannon—a luscious mashed potato classic studded with kale and green onions. Topped off with a velvety cream and mustard sauce, every bite offers a comforting yet elegant experience that feels like a warm Irish embrace. Whether you’re impressing guests or indulging in a cozy night in, this recipe promises soul-satisfying flavors that celebrate the heart of Gaelic cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often make the most memorable dishes, and this recipe is no exception. Each component plays a vital role, from enhancing texture to adding depth and balancing flavors perfectly.
- Sirloin steaks: Choose fresh, good-quality cuts for tender and juicy results.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Essential for coating steaks and enriching colcannon with creamy decadence.
- Salt and pepper: The foundational seasoning to elevate every element.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat searing to get a beautiful crust on the steaks.
- Shallots (finely minced): Provide a delicate onion flavor that melts into the creamy sauce.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Adds aromatic warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Beef stock: A savory base that enriches the sauce’s complexity.
- Heavy cream: Creates that smooth, luxurious texture every good steak sauce needs.
- Whole grain mustard: Brings a subtle tang and texture contrast to the sauce.
- Russet potatoes (peeled and diced): The heart of the colcannon, offering fluffy mash and hearty comfort.
- Curly kale (chopped): Adds color and a slight bitterness, perfectly balancing the creamy potatoes.
- Green onions (diced): For a fresh, mild onion bite in the mash.
- Whole milk: Works with butter to make the colcannon irresistibly creamy.
How to Make Gaelic Irish Steaks with Cream and Colcannon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Steaks
Start by coating your sirloin steaks in melted butter—this not only infuses them with richness but also helps develop a gorgeous crust when searing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; this step really makes the flavors penetrate the meat beautifully.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Place peeled and diced russet potatoes into salted boiling water. Let them cook until just fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Perfectly cooked potatoes become the creamy canvas for your colcannon.
Step 3: Sauté the Kale
While the potatoes boil, melt butter in a pan and quickly sauté chopped curly kale until it’s just wilted—about 3 to 4 minutes. This brings out the kale’s earthiness while keeping a nice pop of color and texture.
Step 4: Add the Green Onions
Stir in the diced green onions to the kale and cook for another 2 minutes. They add a subtle sharpness that complements the richness of the butter and potatoes. Remove the mixture from heat to keep those flavors fresh.
Step 5: Mash the Potatoes
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and mash them with the butter, kale, green onions, and whole milk. Aim for a smooth yet hearty texture that holds just the right amount of creaminess and vegetable bits.
Step 6: Season and Keep Warm
Season your colcannon generously with salt and pepper to bring out every nuanced flavor. Cover it to keep warm while you focus on the steaks and sauce.
Step 7: Bring Steaks to Room Temperature
About 15 minutes before cooking, take the steaks out of the fridge so they can come up to room temperature. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and develop the best sear.
Step 8: Heat the Skillet
Get your cast-iron skillet screaming hot and add a splash of vegetable oil. The high heat is critical to get that coveted golden crust on your steaks without overcooking the inside.
Step 9: Sear the Steaks
Season steaks with salt and pepper just before placing them in the pan. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the color is deep and caramelized—your steaks should be beautifully golden and juicy.
Step 10: Rest the Steaks
Once seared, remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest. This step locks in the juices, so every bite remains succulent and tender.
Step 11: Sauté Shallots and Garlic
Turn the heat down to medium, melt a bit more butter in the pan, then toss in the minced shallots and garlic. Cook them gently for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Step 12: Add Beef Stock and Simmer
Pour in the beef stock, scraping the pan’s browned bits to add intense flavor, and let it simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 13: Stir in Cream and Mustard
Bring the magic to life by stirring in the heavy cream and whole grain mustard. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens into a rich, luscious sauce perfect for drizzling.
Step 14: Season the Sauce
Taste your sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to ensure every note sings.
Step 15: Serve It Up
Finally, plate a generous scoop of velvety colcannon, top it with your perfectly seared steak, and pour over that dreamy cream and mustard sauce for the ultimate finish.
How to Serve Gaelic Irish Steaks with Cream and Colcannon Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra green onions on top can brighten the dish visually and add a fresh herbal burst that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty centerpiece pairs wonderfully with simple roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad to provide both texture contrast and a refreshing palate cleanser.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating the steaks sliced across the grain on a rustic wooden board with colcannon on the side for a warm, inviting communal feel perfect for family-style dining or an Irish-themed dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Gaelic Irish Steaks with Cream and Colcannon Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
While the steaks are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the colcannon separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to maintain its creamy texture.
Reheating
Warm leftover colcannon slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Reheat steaks in a low oven wrapped in foil to keep them moist without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is preferred for its balance of tenderness and flavor, ribeye or filet mignon can also work wonderfully, just adjust the cooking time to suit the cut thickness.
Is there a vegetarian version of Gaelic Irish Steaks with Cream and Colcannon Recipe?
You can skip the steak and enjoy the creamy colcannon as a hearty main on its own or pair it with sautéed mushrooms or a grilled portobello for a satisfying vegetarian twist.
How do I make the sauce thicker if it’s too thin?
Simply simmer it a little longer to reduce the liquid, or whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water while stirring continuously for quick thickening.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the colcannon a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat before serving while preparing the steaks fresh for the best texture and taste.
What wine pairs well with Gaelic Irish Steaks with Cream and Colcannon Recipe?
A robust red like a Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the richness of the steak and creamy sauce wonderfully, enhancing the meal’s comforting Irish charm.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give the Gaelic Irish Steaks with Cream and Colcannon Recipe a whirl. It’s one of those soul-soothing dishes that invites you to slow down and savor the simple magic of great ingredients brought together with care. Whether for a special occasion or a lavish weeknight dinner, this recipe brings a touch of Ireland’s warmth and hospitality right to your plate. Enjoy every sumptuous bite!
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Gaelic Irish Steaks with Cream and Colcannon Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This classic Gaelic Irish Steaks recipe pairs succulent sirloin steaks with a rich cream sauce and traditional colcannon, a comforting mash of potatoes, kale, and green onions. The steaks are butter-coated and seared to golden perfection, while the creamy mustard sauce adds a delightful tang. The colcannon is a hearty side that brings a fresh, earthy flavor to the plate, making this meal perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Steaks and Sauce
- 4 sirloin steaks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating steaks)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 2 shallots, finely minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
For the Colcannon
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups curly kale, chopped
- 3 green onions, diced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Butter Coat the Steaks: Coat the sirloin steaks evenly in melted butter, cover them, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor and tenderness.
- Boil the Potatoes: Place peeled and diced potatoes in salted boiling water and cook for 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
- Sauté Kale: In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat, add chopped kale and sauté for 3-4 minutes until wilted and tender.
- Add Green Onions: Stir in diced green onions with the sautéed kale and cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove the pan from heat.
- Mash Potatoes and Mix: Drain the cooked potatoes well, then mash them thoroughly with the butter, kale, and green onions mixture along with the whole milk until smooth and creamy.
- Season Colcannon: Season the colcannon with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste, then cover it to keep warm while preparing the steaks.
- Rest Steaks: Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.
- Heat Skillet: Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat and add the vegetable oil to coat the surface.
- Sear Steaks: Season the steaks liberally with salt and pepper on both sides. Sear each steak in the hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Rest Steaks: Remove the seared steaks from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juices.
- Start Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium, melt butter in the same skillet, then sauté the finely minced shallots and garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Deglaze with Stock: Pour in the beef stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits, and simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Cream and Mustard: Stir in the heavy cream and whole grain mustard, continuing to simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season Sauce: Taste and season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
- Serve: Plate a generous scoop of colcannon, top with a seared sirloin steak, and drizzle the creamy mustard sauce over the top to finish the dish.
Notes
- For best results, use a heavy skillet like cast iron to get a proper sear on the steaks.
- Letting the steaks rest after cooking is critical to retain juices and flavor.
- The colcannon can be made ahead and gently reheated if needed.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering longer or adding more cream based on preference.
- Feel free to substitute kale with cabbage for a more traditional colcannon.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a robust Irish red ale or a bold red wine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish