Master Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning: The Ultimate DIY Recipe for Grilling & Beyond
Elevate your cooking with the incredible flavors of homemade Montreal steak seasoning! This iconic spice blend brings a robust, savory, and slightly smoky taste to the table with a simple combination of common spices and herbs. Forget store-bought mixes; crafting your own allows for perfect customization and ensures the freshest, most vibrant flavors possible. While its name suggests steak, this versatile blend is fantastic sprinkled over anything from tender steaks, juicy ribs, succulent pork, roasted chicken, to vibrant grilled vegetables. Get ready to transform your meals with a seasoning that’s both easy to make and bursting with character.
Why This Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning Recipe Works
Creating your own homemade Montreal steak seasoning isn’t just a fun kitchen project; it’s a game-changer for your culinary repertoire. This recipe is designed to be effortlessly simple, utilizing the very spices you likely already have nestled in your pantry. The result is a perfectly balanced blend of smoky and savory flavors that truly enhances any dish it touches.
One of the greatest advantages of making your own spice blends, like this Montreal steak rub, is its incredible versatility. While it’s a phenomenal partner for steak, its robust flavor profile extends beautifully to a wide array of ingredients. We regularly use it to season vegetables before roasting, sprinkle it generously over burger patties, add a zesty kick to pork chops, and even rub it onto chicken before grilling or baking. This eliminates the need for multiple single-purpose seasonings, streamlining your spice rack and simplifying your cooking.
Beyond convenience, homemade seasonings offer significant benefits. Why invest in an entirely separate bottle of seasoning when you can easily combine ingredients you already possess? This principle applies to everything from a foundational taco seasoning to an adaptable all-purpose seasoning, and, of course, this fantastic Montreal steak blend. The best part? You have complete control. Adjust the saltiness, dial up the heat, or emphasize certain aromatic notes to perfectly match your individual taste preferences. Plus, when stored correctly in an airtight container, your homemade blends will retain their potency and freshness for just as long, if not longer, than many store-bought alternatives that may contain anti-caking agents or fillers.
This recipe works because it’s economical, customizable, and delivers a superior, fresher flavor compared to mass-produced options. It empowers you to take control of your ingredients and create memorable meals with minimal effort.
Ingredients You Will Need
As with all our recipes, you’ll find all precise measurements, ingredients list, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post. For now, let’s explore the individual components that make up this incredible Montreal steak seasoning blend.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
SEASONING BLEND – This particular blend is renowned for its ability to elevate steaks and grilled meats, but its robust character makes it suitable for so much more. Our secret to this magical mix lies in combining a specific array of spices and herbs: garlic powder, onion powder, coarse Kosher salt, black peppercorns, paprika, chili powder, red pepper flakes, dried rosemary, mustard seeds, and coriander seed. While the precise, original recipe for “Montreal Steak Seasoning” from Schwartz’s deli in Montreal remains a closely guarded secret, we are confident that our homemade version captures its distinctive and irresistible flavor perfectly.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These form the aromatic backbone of the seasoning. They provide a deep, foundational savoriness that is crucial to the blend’s signature taste. While fresh garlic and onion are wonderful, their powdered forms offer consistent flavor without moisture, making them ideal for dry rubs.
- Coarse Kosher Salt: We specifically recommend coarse Kosher salt for its texture and even distribution. Unlike fine table salt, coarse salt adheres beautifully to meat and provides bursts of salinity, rather than overwhelming the flavor. You can use sea salt as a substitute, but avoid iodized table salt which can have a metallic taste and is much finer, requiring adjustment in quantity.
- Black Peppercorns: Freshly ground black peppercorns are non-negotiable for the best flavor. They contribute a pungent, earthy heat that is far superior to pre-ground pepper. Grinding them with the other spices ensures maximum aroma and potency.
- Paprika: This vibrant spice adds a beautiful reddish hue and a mild, sweet, and slightly smoky undertone. You can use regular sweet paprika, or for an extra layer of depth, opt for smoked paprika.
- Chili Powder & Red Pepper Flakes: These ingredients introduce a subtle warmth and a touch of heat, which is characteristic of the classic Montreal blend. Adjust the quantities to suit your personal spice preference – reduce for a milder rub or increase for more kick.
- Dried Rosemary Leaves: Rosemary imparts a fragrant, piney, and slightly peppery note that complements red meat exceptionally well. Ensure you use dried rosemary leaves, rather than powdered, as the texture and release of flavor are key when ground with other coarse ingredients.
- Mustard Seeds & Coriander Seed: These are the unsung heroes of Montreal steak seasoning. When freshly ground, mustard seeds release a sharp, pungent kick, while coriander seeds offer bright, citrusy, and slightly sweet notes. Using whole seeds and grinding them yourself unlocks a depth of flavor that pre-ground versions simply cannot match.
How to Make Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Combine all ingredients in an herb grinder and quickly pulse once or twice. This simple step is all it takes to bring these distinct spices together into a harmonious blend.
TIP – We find that a fairly coarse seasoning blend offers the best texture and flavor release, adhering well to meat surfaces. If you prefer a finer texture, simply pulse the grinder for a slightly longer duration until you achieve your desired consistency. Be careful not to over-process into a fine powder, as some coarseness is key to the authentic Montreal steak seasoning experience.
- Once blended, transfer your fresh seasoning into a sealed jar or another airtight container. Store it in a cool, dark place, such as your kitchen cabinet or pantry, where it will maintain its vibrant flavor and potency for up to a year. This generous shelf life means you’ll always have a fantastic seasoning blend on hand for any culinary adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
No herb grinder? No problem! You have several excellent alternatives to achieve that perfect coarse grind. A mortar and pestle is a classic tool that works wonderfully for crushing spices, allowing you to control the coarseness precisely. If neither of those is handy, a dedicated coffee grinder (ensure it’s clean and doesn’t retain coffee odors!) can also work. For a more rustic approach, you can place the spices and herbs in a large, sturdy zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or even a meat mallet to crush them until you reach your desired texture.
To ensure your homemade Montreal steak seasoning stays fresh and potent, proper storage is key. Always store the seasoning blend in an airtight jar or container, away from direct light, heat, and moisture. A cool, dark place like your pantry or a cabinet is ideal, just like you would with your other spices. When stored correctly, this blend will keep well for up to a year. While homemade seasonings generally remain safe to use beyond the one-year mark, their potency and vibrant flavors will gradually begin to diminish. For the best culinary results, aim to use your blend within a year of preparation.
Montreal Steak Seasoning is a robust, savory spice blend renowned for its coarse texture and bold flavor. It typically features a prominent mix of black pepper, garlic, onion, paprika, and other warm spices like coriander and mustard seed. Its unique profile adds a delightful crust and a deep, complex flavor to grilled and roasted meats.
The seasoning’s name originates from Montreal, Canada. Legend has it that the blend was popularized by a cook at Schwartz’s Montreal Hebrew Delicatessen, who started using the pickling spices from their smoked meat recipe as a rub for their grilled steaks. This innovative use of existing spices quickly caught on, leading to the creation of the iconic Montreal Steak Seasoning we know and love today.
As a general guideline, we recommend using about 1 to 2 tablespoons of Montreal steak seasoning per pound of meat. However, this can be adjusted based on your personal preference for intensity. For thicker cuts of meat like steaks, ensure a generous, even coating on all sides to form a flavorful crust. For thinner cuts or ground meats, you might use slightly less. Don’t be shy – this seasoning is meant to be bold!
Absolutely! Toasting the whole spices (black peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds) in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant can significantly deepen their flavor and aroma. Be careful not to burn them. Allow them to cool completely before grinding with the other ingredients. This extra step will yield an even more complex and aromatic seasoning blend.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of homemade Montreal steak seasoning lies in its unparalleled versatility. While its name suggests a perfect pairing with beef, its robust and well-rounded flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for a wide variety of dishes and cooking methods. Use it generously on:
- Steaks: Naturally, this seasoning is ideal for grilling, pan-searing, or oven-baking any cut of steak – from tenderloin to ribeye. For a truly amazing steak, apply the rub liberally and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight in the fridge) before cooking. Try it on our Air Fryer Steak for a quick and flavorful meal.
- Other Meats: Don’t limit yourself to just beef! It’s fantastic for:
- Burgers: Mix into ground beef before forming patties for an instant flavor boost.
- Chicken: Rub it on chicken breasts, thighs, or a whole roasted chicken.
- Pork: Excellent on pork chops, pork tenderloin, or even bacon.
- Ribs: A fantastic dry rub for smoked beef ribs or pork ribs.
- Kabobs: Sprinkle over cubes of meat and vegetables for grilling.
- Vegetables: This seasoning isn’t just for meat-lovers! It adds incredible depth to roasted or grilled vegetables such as potatoes (think crispy roasted potatoes!), broccoli, carrots, green beans, asparagus, and bell peppers. Toss them with a little olive oil and a generous amount of seasoning before cooking.
- Beyond the Grill: Get creative!
- Sprinkle over scrambled eggs or omelets for a savory breakfast.
- Add a pinch to homemade fries or potato wedges.
- Use it to season homemade croutons or breadsticks.
- Even a dash on popcorn can create a gourmet snack experience.
Essentially, use your homemade blend however and whenever you want to infuse a bold, savory character into your favorite dishes!
More Homemade Seasoning Recipes
If you love the control and fresh flavor of homemade spice blends, be sure to check out these other popular DIY seasoning recipes:
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning: A spicy and aromatic blend perfect for Southern-inspired dishes.
- Easy Italian Seasoning: Your go-to mix for pasta, pizzas, and Mediterranean flavors.
- Authentic Mexican Seasoning: Essential for tacos, fajitas, and all your favorite Mexican cuisine.
- Make Your Own Chili Seasoning: Craft a flavorful and customizable chili blend from scratch.
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Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons onion powder
- 2 Tablespoons coarse Kosher salt
- 2 Tablespoons black peppercorns
- 2 Tablespoons paprika
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 1 Tablespoon dried rosemary leaves
- 1 Tablespoon mustard seed
- 1 Tablespoon coriander seed
Things You’ll Need
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Herb grinder or mortar and pestle
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Measuring spoons
Before You Begin
- We like our seasoning fairly coarse. If you like yours a little finer, simply pulse the grinder longer.
- If you don’t have an herb grinder you can use a mortar and pestle to grind the mixture together. If you don’t have one of those handy either you can always try using a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush the spices and herbs in a large ziptop bag.
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in an herb grinder and quickly pulse once or twice.
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Store in a sealed jar or other air tight container in your cabinet or pantry for up to a year.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Homemade Montreal steak seasoning will keep well for up to a year when stored in an air-tight jar or container. Store the seasoning blend in a cool, dark place like you would with your other seasonings. Seasonings begin to lose their potency past the one-year mark but are still typically good to use beyond that if stored properly.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.