Montreal Steak Seasoning
On September 13, 2022 (Updated May 10, 2024)
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Montreal steak seasoning is one of those staple spice blends to have in your pantry for when you are grilling up some steaks or burgers. This seasoning is made at home with the perfect balance of savory flavors and bright herbs.
Montreal Seasoning
I spent a little bit of time looking into what Montreal seasoning actually was in order to create the best Montreal seasoning out there. Did you know that it originated in a Montreal-based deli? One of the employees started mixing his own spice blend and it became so popular, that the customers started requesting bottles to take home.
Every time I’m grilling, I like to add a little smoke wherever possible. I know not everybody owns a smoker, so I introduced smoked paprika to my Montreal seasoning recipe to bring some of that open wood-fired flavor. This ingredient is optional, but I absolutely love the hint of smoke in the blend! Luckily, it is pretty easy to find on any grocery store shelf!
Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning
For my homemade Montreal steak seasoning, I wanted the flavors to really pop and I absolutely love the bigger pieces of spices mixed into the seasoning, so I used a mortar and pestle to grind the whole spices fresh. If you don’t have one, you can use a small coffee grinder (just make sure you only use it for spices!)
You can also just use the pre-ground versions of any of the whole spices included in the ingredients list, but they may not be as vibrant so you may want to season your meat a little more liberally with the finished Montreal seasoning.
What’s in Montreal Steak Seasoning?
The original Montreal steak seasoning ingredients are a bit of a mystery, but after digging a little bit I found the key players are salt, pepper, garlic, onion, dill, and coriander. The amounts and any additional seasonings are basically just the creator’s choice, so I took some liberties with my recipe and adjusted the amounts until I created a blend that I think is absolutely delicious! It is savory but still bright from the dill and coriander.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this seasoning:
- 2 Tablespoons whole peppercorns
- 2 Tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 Tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons whole coriander seed
- 2 teaspoons whole mustard seed
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
For my homemade Montreal steak seasoning, I wanted the flavors to really pop and I absolutely love the bigger pieces of spices mixed into the seasoning, so I used a mortar and pestle to grind the whole spices fresh. If you don’t have one, you can use a small coffee grinder (just make sure you only use it for spices!) You can also just use the pre-ground versions of any of the whole spices included in the ingredients list, but they may not be as vibrant so you may want to season your meat a little more liberally with the finished Montreal seasoning.
How to Make Montreal Steak Seasoning
Once you have all your ingredients assembled, making this seasoning is extremely easy.
- Combine. Add peppercorns, salt, and paprika to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Blend until the peppercorns are mostly broken apart. Add the remaining spices and stir or blend until the seasoning is well combined.
- Use or store. This seasoning is ready to be used immediately. If you have anything left over, store it in an airtight container for 2-3 months for the best flavor.
More BBQ Seasonings
Check out these other amazing BBQ seasonings (that are also great on beef or steak!) from Hey Grill Hey:
Montreal Steak Seasoning Recipe
How did this Montreal steak seasoning recipe turn out for you? If you were a big fan or you made any changes, let us know in the comment below. We love to hear from our wonderful BBQ community!
This post was originally published in June 2018. We recently updated it with more information and helpful tips. The recipe remains the same.
Montreal Steak Seasoning
Video
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons whole peppercorns
- 2 Tablespoons smoked paprika optional, but highly advised
- 2 Tablespoons kosher salt or coarse sea salt
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon dehydrated onion or onion powder
- 2 teaspoons whole coriander seed
- 2 teaspoons whole mustard seed
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine the peppercorns, salt, and paprika (optional) in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. Blend until the peppercorns have almost all broken apart. Add in the rest of the seasonings and blend again until well combined.
- Transfer to an airtight jar. The flavors are the best if used immediately, but the blend can be stored at room temperature and used for several months. Great on steaks, roasts, burgers, and more!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
We have totally fallen in love with Montreal steak seasoning. We use the seasoning on all our proteins. Best rub ever.
I just had Montreal seasoning at a corner store. Their ingredients were similar to these. It makes for a wonderful upgrade to the burger, not just to steak! I love all these ingredients, and having them together is special, something I would not have thought of on my own.
McCoxmixxk Montreal steak seasoning from the store usually contains caraway seeds (At least here where I live) to give it that rye bread flavor its kwown for. Was this just an oversight in your recipe or left out on purpose or maybe just made differently in Utah? Anyways still sounds very good and all the comments are very positive.
Made a smoked eye of round roast beef today and smells and looks unbelievably beautiful can’t wait to slice it, thank you for the recipe, my next on will be a sirloin tip roast, again thank for the recipe, looking forward to the perfection that is roast beast!!!!
Just a flavor choice, but you can certainly add caraway seeds! That’s the best part of making things at home, mixing them up to suit your tastes.
Actually, McCormick’s contains dill seeds rather than dried dill (not caraway seeds, although they have a similar taste to dill seeds). Dill seeds taste different from dried dill. I love Montreal steak seasoning on steak, but I also have a different steak seasoning blend of my own creation that I love even more.
Since I dry brine most meat prior to grilling, I would like to omit the salt from your recipe. Any advice on other ingredient adjustments?
Any modifications are your own, make it how you like it. I think it’s perfect how it is. ????
For a marinade (which I use for London Broil)
• 1/4 c water
• 1/4 c oil
• 2 TB Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 1/2 TB Montreal Steak seasoning
• Minced Garlic (to taste)
• Minced Onion (to taste)
• Black Pepper (to taste)
Sounds delicious, thanks for sharing!
Your notes say (for a store-bought flavor) to skip the smoked paprika and increase the dill; does that mean to omit paprika altogether or revert to regular paprika?
You would omit the paprika.
Is it dill weed or dill seed?
Dill weed
It should be dill seed to be authentic Montreal Steak Seasoning. The flavor of the seed is different and similar to caraway seed.
What would be done with this recipe to make it an imitation of their *Spicy* Montreal Seasoning?
I would recommend 1/4-1/2 a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Start with 1/4 then give it a little taste. Add more to increase the heat.
I’m thinking chili powder. I make something similar but add ancho chile powder. Adds heat and a smoky flavor.