If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that brings the cozy heart of Ireland right to your dinner table, then the Gaelic Irish Steaks with Cream and Colcannon Recipe is destined to become your new favorite. This delightful combination of tender sirloin steaks, rich and creamy mustard sauce, and the comforting mashed potato and kale colcannon creates a symphony of flavors and textures that feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s all about simple ingredients elevated through a little care and tradition, making every bite a celebration of fresh, bold taste and true Irish heritage.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for ingredients that are straightforward yet essential; each one plays a key role in building the depth of flavor and that wonderful creamy texture you crave. From hearty sirloin steaks to fresh curly kale, every element adds its own magic.
- Sirloin steaks: Choose well-marbled cuts for juicy, flavorful meat that sears beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Used both to coat the steaks and enrich the colcannon, bringing luscious creaminess.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all other flavors without overpowering.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat searing to develop a golden crust on the steaks.
- Shallots, finely minced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the creamy sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Brings a gentle fragrant punch that complements beef beautifully.
- Beef stock: Creates a rich base for the sauce, full of savory goodness.
- Heavy cream: Thickens and smooths the sauce to luxurious perfection.
- Whole grain mustard: Offers a slight tangy bite, adding character to the cream sauce.
- Russet potatoes, peeled and diced: The foundation of the colcannon, lending fluffiness and body.
- Curly kale, chopped: This leafy green adds color, nutrition, and earthy flavor to the mash.
- Green onions, diced: Brightens the colcannon with a fresh, oniony zing.
- Whole milk: Smooths out the mashed potatoes for a creamy, velvety texture.
How to Make Gaelic Irish Steaks with Cream and Colcannon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Steaks
Start by coating your sirloin steaks in melted unsalted butter. This not only imparts a luscious flavor but also helps keep the meat moist during cooking. Cover and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes; this little step is like giving the steaks a flavor boost and making them extra tender.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
While the steaks are resting in the fridge, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your peeled, diced russet potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes. You want them fork-tender but not falling apart as they’ll be mashed later to create the creamy colcannon base.
Step 3: Sauté the Kale
In a separate pan, melt some unsalted butter and toss in the curly kale. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and wilts without losing its bright green vibrancy. This step brings out the kale’s natural sweetness and makes it easy to incorporate into the mash.
Step 4: Add Green Onions
Next, stir in the diced green onions and cook for another 2 minutes. The green onions add a mild yet distinct sharpness that balances the earthiness of the kale perfectly.
Step 5: Mash the Potatoes and Mix
Drain your cooked potatoes and mash them thoroughly with the butter, sautéed kale, green onions, and whole milk. The goal is a smooth, creamy texture that carries wonderful bursts of color and flavor. Season generously with salt and pepper, then cover to keep warm as you move on to the steaks.
Step 6: Bring the Steaks to Room Temperature
Before cooking, allow the coated steaks to rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly and develop a perfect crust when they hit the hot pan.
Step 7: Sear the Steaks
Heat a cast-iron skillet on high and add vegetable oil. Once sizzling, season the steaks with salt and pepper and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until you see a beautifully golden crust. This quick, intense heat locks in juices and flavor.
Step 8: Let the Steaks Rest
Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest while you prepare the sauce. Resting is key for tender results, allowing the meat juices to settle back inside.
Step 9: Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, melt unsalted butter, and add the minced shallots and garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes to release their sweetness and aroma without any harshness. Then pour in the beef stock, scraping up all those tasty browned bits from the pan, and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
Step 10: Finish the Sauce
Stir in heavy cream and whole grain mustard. Allow this to simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens into a rich, velvety sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper to make sure every spoonful sings with flavor.
Step 11: Plate and Serve
To serve, pile a generous scoop of the creamy colcannon onto your plates, top it with a succulent seared steak, and finish with a drizzle of that luscious cream and mustard sauce. It’s everything you want in a meal — comforting, vibrant, and downright delicious.
How to Serve Gaelic Irish Steaks with Cream and Colcannon Recipe

Garnishes
For a touch of freshness and crunch, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley or chives over the steaks and colcannon. A light scatter of cracked black pepper also adds a rustic charm. These garnishes brighten the dish and elevate its presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish stands well on its own, but if you want to add an extra layer of comfort, consider roasted root vegetables like carrots or parsnips. Alternatively, a simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette can add lovely contrast and lighten each mouthful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving the steaks sliced on a wooden board alongside ramekins of creamy sauce and colcannon. This communal style invites sharing and makes your Gaelic Irish Steaks with Cream and Colcannon Recipe the centerpiece of conversation and delight around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover steaks and colcannon in airtight containers. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, retaining much of their delicious flavor and texture if properly sealed.
Freezing
If you want to keep leftovers longer, the colcannon freezes beautifully and can be thawed later for a quick meal. The steaks are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if wrapped tightly; just note the texture may shift slightly upon reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the colcannon gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen it up. Heat the steaks slowly in the oven at low temperature to avoid overcooking and drying them out. Reheat the sauce on the stovetop, stirring until warm and silky again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its balance of tenderness and flavor, ribeye or filet mignon would also work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness and desired doneness.
Is colcannon traditionally made with kale?
Yes, kale is a classic ingredient in traditional colcannon, bringing color and nutrition. Some variations might use cabbage, but curly kale offers a wonderful texture and earthiness that pairs perfectly here.
Can I make the cream sauce dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use vegan butter to keep the sauce creamy while catering to dietary preferences. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but it remains delicious.
What is the best way to get the perfect steak crust?
High heat and a cast-iron skillet are essential. Make sure your pan is very hot before adding the steaks, and don’t move them until a crust has formed. Patting the meat dry beforehand also helps with a better sear.
How can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Feel free to toss in sautéed mushrooms or roasted Brussels sprouts as a vibrant, flavorful side. You can even mix extra sautéed greens into the colcannon to boost both color and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about the Gaelic Irish Steaks with Cream and Colcannon Recipe that makes it an instant classic in any kitchen. It embraces tradition without fuss, turning simple ingredients into something special and memorable. If you’re ready to cozy up with a plate that’s bursting with flavor and Irish charm, this recipe is your ticket there. Give it a try—you won’t regret a single bite!
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Gaelic Irish Steaks with Cream and Colcannon Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This traditional Gaelic Irish recipe features tender sirloin steaks served with a creamy mustard sauce and a classic side of colcannon — a comforting mash of russet potatoes, sautéed kale, and green onions. The steaks are enhanced by a butter marinade and seared to golden perfection in a cast-iron skillet, while the sauce is simmered with shallots, garlic, and beef stock for rich flavor. Perfect for a hearty, rustic meal that honors Irish culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Steaks and Marinade
- 4 sirloin steaks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 shallots, finely minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Colcannon (Irish Mashed Potatoes)
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups curly kale, chopped
- 4 green onions, diced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Steaks: Coat the sirloin steaks evenly with melted unsalted butter. Cover the steaks and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to enhance their flavor and tenderness.
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and diced russet potatoes in boiling salted water. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender, ensuring the potatoes are soft enough for mashing.
- Sauté the Kale: In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped curly kale and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes wilted.
- Add Green Onions to Kale: Stir in the diced green onions with the kale and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the mixture from heat.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes well, then mash them thoroughly. Incorporate the sautéed kale and green onions mixture, along with butter and whole milk, until the colcannon is smooth and creamy.
- Season the Colcannon: Taste and season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm until serving.
- Bring Steaks to Room Temperature: Remove the marinated steaks from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Heat Skillet and Sear Steaks: Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Add vegetable oil to the skillet. Season the steaks with salt and pepper, then sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and a crust forms.
- Rest Steaks: Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for a tender bite.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Melt butter in the pan, then add the finely minced shallots and garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened but not browned.
- Simmer with Beef Stock: Pour in the beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify the flavor.
- Add Cream and Mustard: Stir in the heavy cream and whole grain mustard. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Final Seasoning of Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Plate and Serve: Spoon a generous portion of colcannon onto each plate. Top with a seared sirloin steak and drizzle the creamy mustard sauce over the steak. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Resting steaks after searing is crucial for juicy results.
- Using a cast-iron skillet helps develop a beautiful crust on the steak.
- Colcannon can be made in advance and gently reheated before serving.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering longer if needed.
- For a tangier sauce, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice.

