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.

1. 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.
2. 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:

• Homemade Steak Rub
• Steak Seasoning
• Brisket Rub

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

Susie Bulloch (heygrillhey.com)

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.

5 from 2 votes

Prep Time : 5 mins

Total Time : 5 mins

Servings : 1 batch (3/4 cup yield)

Calories : 145kcal

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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

If you want this seasoning to taste more like the McCormick store-bought version of Montreal Steak seasoning, I recommend skipping the smoked paprika and DOUBLING the dried dill. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 877mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 8314IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 207mg | Iron: 8mg

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