Dinner

Montreal Steak Seasoning Recipe

ByLila Prescott August 20, 2025August 20, 2025

There’s something truly magical about homemade spice blends, and none captures bold, savory, cookout nostalgia quite as perfectly as Montreal Steak Seasoning. Born from the bustling delis and steakhouses of Montreal, this classic mix bursts with coarse spices and fragrant herbs that transform even humble cuts of meat into crave-able masterpieces. Whether you’re a backyard grill enthusiast or a kitchen experimenter, having this seasoning ready to go means every meal can be elevated with unforgettable flavor.

Montreal Steak Seasoning Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for your own Montreal Steak Seasoning couldn’t be easier, and each one brings something vital to the table. From robust black pepper to fresh pops of coriander seed, these pantry staples combine to create a punchy, well-balanced blend you’ll reach for again and again.

Coarse black pepper: The backbone of the seasoning, delivering signature bite and depth.

Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and inviting color—optional, but highly recommended for that extra wow factor.
Kosher salt (or coarse sea salt): Enhances all the other flavors and gives a satisfying crunch.

Garlic powder: Infuses earthy, aromatic flavor that’s essential for great steak seasoning.
Onion powder: Brings sweet, mellow undertones to balance the sharpness of other spices.

Whole coriander seeds: Offer a citrusy kick when freshly cracked, brightening the blend.
Whole mustard seeds: Lend a gentle heat and classic deli flavor—don’t skip them!
Dried dill: Adds a slight tang and an herby lift, making the seasoning unmistakably Montreal.

Dried rosemary: Contributes woodsy aroma and a touch of visual appeal.
Red pepper flakes: Finish things off with a pop of color and a tiny bit of heat—adjust to taste if you like it spicier.

How to Make Montreal Steak Seasoning

Step 1: Crush Coarse Spices

Start by placing your coarse black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika into a mortar and pestle or a small spice grinder. Freshly crushing the larger peppercorns and seeds is key—it releases their aromatic oils and gives your Montreal Steak Seasoning that iconic texture and flavor. You’re aiming for most of the peppercorns to be cracked but not completely powdered, so you keep a bit of crunch and bite.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Herbs

Once the big spices are the right consistency, add in your garlic powder, onion powder, whole coriander seeds, whole mustard seeds, dried dill, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Give everything one more gentle pulse or mix, just enough to blend the herbs and seeds without losing their unique textures.

Step 3: Jar It Up

Spoon your finished Montreal Steak Seasoning into an airtight jar or spice container. If you can resist using it immediately, let the flavors meld for a couple of hours—it gets even better. But don’t worry, it’s absolutely delicious right away, too!

How to Serve Montreal Steak Seasoning

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Montreal Steak Seasoning generously over juicy grilled steaks and let it shine as the star. Finish with a scattering of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a flash of color. A final squeeze of lemon just before serving can really wake up the spices and entice your taste buds even more.

Side Dishes

This seasoning isn’t just for beef—try roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or even corn on the cob dusted with Montreal Steak Seasoning right off the grill. Serve your seasoned proteins with bold, hearty sides: think garlic mashed potatoes, smoky grilled asparagus, or a vibrant tomato salad. They’ll soak up every last bit of seasoning from your plate!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, use Montreal Steak Seasoning as a rim for Bloody Mary glasses or sprinkle it onto homemade fries or popcorn for a savory twist. Press it onto pork chops before roasting, or swirl it into creamy dips for a punchy surprise. Keep a little bowl of the blend on the table so everyone can add their own perfect pinch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After mixing up your batch, store any leftover Montreal Steak Seasoning in a clean, airtight jar tucked away in a cool, dry pantry. It’ll stay vibrant and flavorful for several months, making it a meal-time lifesaver whenever inspiration strikes.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t usually necessary for dry seasonings, if you’re making a huge batch, feel free to stash it in the freezer in a well-sealed bag. This can help preserve the essential oils in spices like coriander and dill, keeping your seasoning blend as aromatic as possible for future grilling sessions.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Montreal Steak Seasoning, but if your stored blend has been sitting a while, try toasting it lightly in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before using. This revives the oils in the spices and intensifies the flavors—your steaks will taste like you just blended the seasoning fresh!

FAQs

Can I use regular paprika instead of smoked?

Absolutely! Regular paprika will still give you a wonderful color and mild sweetness, but smoked paprika brings a little extra depth and authenticity to Montreal Steak Seasoning. If you love BBQ vibes, go for the smoked version when you can.

Do I have to grind the coriander and mustard seeds?

For the best texture and flavor, it’s worth lightly crushing the whole seeds so their oils are released. This gives your seasoning a signature crunch and burst of flavor. If you only have ground, use a little less to avoid making the blend too powdery.

How spicy is this blend?

Montreal Steak Seasoning has a gentle heat, thanks to the red pepper flakes. If you like things hotter, simply increase the red pepper flakes, or decrease them for a milder blend. It’s all about customizing the batch to your own taste.

Is this seasoning gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in classic Montreal Steak Seasoning are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check your spices if you’re very sensitive, as cross-contamination can rarely occur during processing.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Definitely. This recipe scales beautifully, so you can keep a big jar on hand for impromptu BBQs and weeknight dinners. No need to adjust the proportions, just multiply each ingredient according to your needs.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning before, you’re in for an absolute treat. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. I hope you’ll give it a go and make it your new go-to for grilling, roasting, and beyond!

Lila Prescott

Montreal Steak Seasoning Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need