This Gaelic steak features a pan-seared sirloin, topped with rich Irish whiskey cream sauce and finished with a splash of Baileys Irish cream for extra depth and flavor.
You can make the savory steak recipe in just 30 minutes on the stovetop, and the alcohol adds a richness that you simply don’t get with traditional pan sauces.
This dish makes a festive dinner for any night, and is especially perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with family or friends.
Serve it with mashed potatoes, and don’t forget crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of the delicious Irish whiskey sauce.
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What is Gaelic steak?
Gaelic steak is a traditional Irish dish featuring pan-seared beef, typically sirloin or fillet, served with a rich, creamy sauce made from Irish whiskey and cream.
Often prepared with mushrooms, garlic, and onions or shallots, this savory dish is known for its tender, flavorful steak and indulgent sauce. It’s commonly served with mashed potatoes or colcannon, making it a comforting and elegant Irish meal.
Why this whiskey cream sauce works
This Irish whiskey cream sauce is rich, savory, and perfectly balanced. It complements the pan-seared sirloin, adding depth and a subtle
warmth to the recipe.
A splash of Baileys Irish Cream adds a silky texture and luxurious flavor to the sauce.
When combined with onions, garlic, and mushrooms, the sauce clings to the steak beautifully, making every bite indulgent and savory.
Ingredients for Gaelic sirloin steak
To make this Irish steak sauce recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 ½ cups of sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves of garlic, 1 cut in half lengthwise and one finely chopped
- 20 ounces of sirloin steak (you can also use fillet or ribeye steak)
- ⅓ cup of Irish whiskey
- 2 ounces of Bailey’s Irish cream
- ½ teaspoon of Kosher salt
- A dash of ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, to garnish
How to cook Gaelic steak with whiskey cream sauce
This recipe is very easy to make in just 30 minutes.
Prepare the vegetables and steak
Chop the onions and slice the mushrooms. Finely chop one of the garlic cloves and cut the other in half lengthwise. Set these aside.
Rub both sides of the sirloin steak with the half cloves of garlic. This adds a subtle garlic flavor to the steak.
Cook the veggies
Heat the olive oil and butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat until the butter melts.
Add the onions and mushrooms, cooking them until they are lightly golden brown – about 8–10 minutes.
Add the finely diced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute until it softens.
Searing the steak
Push the vegetables to the side of the pan, and place the steaks in the skillet.
Sear the steaks over medium-high heat 2–3 minutes per side until they are lightly pink inside. Don’t rush the sear — medium-high heat gives a nice caramelized crust while keeping the inside tender.
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Adding the alcohol
Carefully pour in Irish whiskey and Baileys Irish Cream to create a rich Baileys sauce for steak. Stir gently to deglaze the pan.
Return the pan to the heat and allow the whiskey and Baileys cream sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes over medium-low heat. It will thicken slightly.
Coat the steaks with the Baileys steak sauce
Sprinkle the steaks with kosher salt, black pepper, and parsley. Turn the steaks in the sauce to coat them completely.
Let the steak rest for five minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, then serve with mashed potatoes and crusty garlic bread.
Tasting the Gaelic steak with whiskey sauce
This Gaelic steak has a sweet finish from the splash of Baileys Irish Cream. The whiskey adds a full-bodied depth that balances the subtle sweetness of the Baileys.
The whiskey sauce is creamy and rich, and clings to the mushrooms and onions beautifully.
Tips for the perfect Baileys sauce for steak
A few small steps can make the difference between a good steak and an unforgettable one — these tips will help you achieve a perfectly seared steak with a silky whiskey cream sauce.
- Bring the steak to room temperature. This helps it to cook evenly.
- Remove the pan from the heat before adding the whiskey to avoid flare-ups.
- Don’t overheat whiskey – it just needs to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute. Spoon the whiskey sauce over the steak, just before serving.
Variations on the Gaelic steak recipe
Do you love experimenting in the kitchen? These simple variations let you put your own spin on this Irish steak recipe.
- Fillet instead of sirloin – Use tender fillet steaks for a more luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Non-alcohol option – Replace Irish whiskey and Baileys with ¼ cup heavy cream and a splash of vanilla extract for a creamy, alcohol-free sauce.
- Spicy kick – Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the sauce for a subtle heat that complements the whiskey flavor.
FAQs
If you’re making this Gaelic steak with whiskey cream sauce for the first time, these quick answers will guide you.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best served immediately to enjoy the creamy whiskey sauce at its richest. You can prep the onions and mushrooms in advance, but cook and sauce the steak just before serving.
What sides go well with this Irish steak recipe?
Add traditional sides such as mashed potatoes, colcannon, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Fillet, ribeye, or even a good-quality rump steak can work, but adjust cooking times to maintain your preferred doneness.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Simmer a little longer over low heat, or whisk in 1 teaspoon of butter or a splash of cream at the end to achieve the desired consistency.
More steak recipes to try
Looking for more steak recipes? Try these:
- Steak with a Cuban Mojo Marinade – Easy grilled recipe
- Montreal Steak Seasoning Recipe – Steak with a sweet and spicy rub
- Grilled Top Steak – Zesty with a lime marinade
Share this Irish sirloin steak recipe on X
If you enjoyed making this Irish whiskey cream sauce and steak, why not share this recipe with a friend?
🥩✨ Elevate dinner tonight with Gaelic steak! These pan-seared sirloin steaks are smothered in a rich Irish whiskey cream sauce, finished with a splash of Baileys for extra richness. Get the recipe on The Gardening Cook. 🍀☕… Share on XPin this recipe for Irish whiskey steak
Would you like a reminder of this Gaelic steak recipe? Pin this image to one of your cooking boards on Pinterest so that you can easily find it later.
You can also watch this YouTube slideshow video showing how to make the whiskey sauce for steak!
Admin note: This recipe for whiskey steak sauce first appeared on the blog in June 2013. This post has been updated with new photos, a printable recipe card, and a slideshow video.
Gaelic Sirloin Steak with Whiskey Cream Sauce
Pan-seared sirloin steaks in a rich Irish whiskey cream sauce, finished with a splash of Baileys for a luxurious, savory twist.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 ½ cups of sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves of garlic, 1 cut in half lengthwise and one finley chopped
- 20 ounces of sirloin steak
- ⅓ cup of Irish whiskey
- 2 ounces of Bailey's Irish cream
- ½ teaspoon of Kosher salt
- A dash of ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Chop the onions and slice the mushrooms. Finely chop one of the garlic cloves and cut the other in half lengthwise. Set these aside.
- Rub both sides of the sirloin steak with the half cloves of garlic.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat until the butter melts.
- Add the onions and mushrooms, cooking until lightly golden (about 8–10 minutes). Push them to the side of the skillet.
- Add the finely diced garlic clove to the pan and cook for another minute until it softens.
- Place the steaks into the skillet, leaving onions, mushrooms, and garlic on the side.
- Sear the steaks over medium-high heat 2–4 minutes per side until lightly pink inside.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Carefully pour in Irish whiskey and Baileys Irish Cream. Stir gently to deglaze the pan.
- Return the pan to the stove and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-low heat.
- Sprinkle the steaks with kosher salt, black pepper, and parsley. Turn the steaks in the sauce to coat them completely.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and garlic bread to soak up every drop of the whiskey sauce.
Notes
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Baileys Chocolate Irish Cream Flavored Medium Roast Ground Coffee - 10oz Bag To finish your Meal -
Nonstick Skillet, Deep Frying Pan, 1 Saute Pan with Lid, Induction Compatible (10-Inch/3.5QT) -
Meat Thermometer Digital, Instant Read Food Thermometer for Cooking, Grilling, Baking, Frying & Searing Steak
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 593Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 14gUnsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 153mgSodium: 432mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 39g
Nutritional information is approximate due to natural variation in ingredients and the cook-at-home nature of our meals.