A Taste of Emerald Tide: When Irish Roots Meet a Bold New Twist
March is the perfect month for comfort food with a twist—and with St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, there’s no better time to celebrate Irish flavors, indulgent ingredients, and a touch of whiskey, of course.
In Emerald Tide, Aidan Murphy is at a crossroads. Growing up inside Murphy’s Pub, he’s spent his life surrounded by hearty Irish dishes and family traditions. But as he starts questioning whether his father’s path is truly his own, Aidan begins experimenting in the kitchen—blending cultures, pushing boundaries, and searching for a recipe that feels like him.
That’s where this dish comes in. Aidan’s Philly Cheesesteak Shepherd’s Pie is a bold fusion of his Irish roots and a fresh new vision. Juicy shaved ribeye, caramelized onions, and peppers are smothered in a whiskey-beer Gouda cheese sauce, then topped with buttery colcannon mashed potatoes. The result? A dish that’s comforting yet unexpected, indulgent yet innovative—just like Aidan’s journey.
Philly Cheesesteak Shepherd’s Pie
with Whiskey-Beer Gouda Cheese Sauce & Colcannon Mashed Potatoes
Hungry yet?
Golden, bubbly, and infused with a little Irish magic—Aidan Murphy’s Philly Cheesesteak Shepherd’s Pie is comfort food at its finest!
For the Meat Filling & Cheese Sauce:
1 ½ lbs shaved ribeye steak
(or ground beef if preferred)1 tablespoon avocado oil (or another neutral oil)
1 small onion, diced
1 poblano pepper, diced (or substitute bell pepper)
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
½ cup red ale (or preferred beer)
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Gouda cheese
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Colcannon Mashed Potato Topping:
2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tablespoons butter
½ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups kale, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Colcannon Mashed Potatoes:
Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes).
While potatoes cook, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Sauté the chopped kale until wilted (about 3-4 minutes).
Drain the potatoes and mash with the remaining butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Stir in the wilted kale and set aside.
2. Cook the Meat & Build the Whiskey-Beer Gouda Cheese Sauce:
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shaved ribeye steak and cook until browned (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté onions and poblano (or bell pepper) until softened (about 5 minutes).
Reduce heat to medium, add butter, and stir in flour to create a golden roux (about 1 minute).
Deglaze the pan with Irish whiskey, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 30 seconds.
Stir in red ale and let bubble for about 1 minute.
Pour in heavy cream and cook until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in Gouda cheese, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Return the browned steak to the pan and mix until coated in that rich, velvety cheese sauce.
3. Assemble the Individual Ramekins:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease 6-8 oven-safe ramekins (8 oz capacity each).
Evenly divide the cheesesteak filling among the ramekins.
Spoon colcannon mashed potatoes over each portion, spreading evenly. Use a fork to create texture on top.
Optional: Sprinkle extra shredded Gouda on top for a crispy, cheesy crust.
4. Bake & Serve:
Place ramekins on a baking sheet (to catch any spills).
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Garnish with fresh parsley for color.
Serve with crusty bread or a crisp salad.
Pair with a cold pint of red ale or a smooth Irish whiskey—because what’s an Irish-inspired dish without a proper toast?
Aidan Murphy’s Kitchen Experiment—Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day
This isn’t just a meal—it’s a taste of Emerald Tide, a story about finding your own way, even when it means breaking tradition. As Aidan navigates love, family, and the weight of expectations, he learns that sometimes the best things in life—whether in food or in love—come from taking a risk.
And with St. Patrick’s Day on the horizon, there’s no better time to take a page from Aidan’s book and embrace something new. Whether you’re diving into Emerald Tide or just looking for the ultimate cozy dish to pair with a pint, this Philly Cheesesteak Shepherd’s Pie will hit the spot.
So tell me—are you here for the creamy mashed potatoes, the whiskey-infused cheese sauce, or just an excuse to break out the Irish whiskey? Drop me a message on Instagram, and let’s talk all things indulgent.
