Make your own Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning with simple pantry spices. This bold steakhouse-style seasoning is perfect for steak, chicken, pork, burgers, vegetables, and grilling season.

Layered homemade McCormick-style steak seasoning in a glass jar with visible spices including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs, and seasonings

Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning

Name: Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 3 tbsp granulated onion; 3 tbsp whole black peppercorns; 2 tbsp red pepper flakes; 3 tbsp granulated garlic; 2 tbsp smoked paprika; 3 tbsp kosher salt; 3 tbsp mustard seeds; 2 tbsp coriander seeds; 3 tbsp dill seeds

If you’ve ever reached for a bottle of Montreal steak seasoning at the grocery store, you might be surprised to learn how easy it is to make at home. Not only does a diy steak rub taste fresher, but you can also customize this montreal steak seasoning recipe to fit your own preferences while using ingredients you probably already have in your spice cabinet.

I started making my own seasoning blends years ago when I realized that many store-bought versions contain anti-caking agents, preservatives, and fillers that don’t actually add flavor. Making your own gives you complete control over the ingredients while creating a seasoning blend that’s every bit as bold and delicious as the original.

This homemade Montreal steak seasoning combines garlic, onion, peppercorns, mustard seeds, dill seeds, coriander, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes to create the perfect balance of savory, smoky, spicy, and aromatic flavors. While it’s traditionally used on steak, don’t let the name fool you. This seasoning works on almost everything.

I use it on grilled chicken, burgers, pork chops, roasted potatoes, vegetables, and even sprinkled over homemade fries. It’s one of those versatile spice blends that earns a permanent spot in your pantry.

What Is Montreal Steak Seasoning?

Montreal steak seasoning originated in Montreal, Canada, where it was traditionally used to season smoked meats and steaks. The blend became popular because of its coarse texture and bold flavor profile.

Unlike many all-purpose seasonings, Montreal steak seasoning relies heavily on cracked spices rather than finely ground powders. The larger pieces of peppercorns, garlic, mustard seed, and coriander create texture and flavor that stand up well to high-heat cooking methods like grilling and searing.

The result is a seasoning that forms a flavorful crust on meats while delivering incredible flavor with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with simple pantry spices
No preservatives or fillers
More flavorful than store-bought blends
Perfect for steak, chicken, pork, burgers, and vegetables
Easy to customize
Takes less than 10 minutes to make
Stores for months in your pantry
Great homemade gift for grill lovers

Ingredients

3 tablespoons granulated onion
3 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons granulated garlic
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
3 tablespoons kosher salt
3 tablespoons mustard seeds
2 tablespoons coriander seeds
3 tablespoons dill seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Crush the Whole Spices

Add the black peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and dill seeds to a spice grinder, food processor, or mortar and pestle.

Pulse a few times until the spices are coarsely crushed. You want texture, not powder.

Step 2: Mix the Seasoning

Transfer the crushed spices to a bowl.

Add the granulated onion, granulated garlic, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes.

Mix until evenly combined.

Step 3: Store

Transfer the seasoning blend to an airtight spice jar or container.

Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

How to Use Montreal Steak Seasoning

One of the reasons I love this seasoning blend is because it’s incredibly versatile.

Steak

Use about 1 tablespoon per pound of steak. Apply generously before grilling or searing.

Chicken

Rub onto chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or whole chickens before grilling, smoking, roasting, or air frying.

Burgers

Mix directly into ground beef or sprinkle over burger patties before cooking.

Pork

Excellent on pork chops, pork tenderloin, or pulled pork.

Vegetables

Toss potatoes, mushrooms, onions, zucchini, or asparagus with olive oil and seasoning before roasting.

Seafood

Try it on salmon, shrimp, or white fish for a smoky, savory flavor.

Tips for the Best Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning

Don’t Over-Grind

The hallmark of a great Montreal steak seasoning is its coarse texture. Resist the temptation to turn everything into a fine powder.

Use Fresh Spices

The fresher your spices, the better your seasoning blend will taste. Whole spices especially retain their flavor much longer than pre-ground versions.

Adjust the Heat

If you like spicy food, increase the red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder seasoning, reduce them slightly.

Make a Double Batch

This seasoning disappears quickly if you grill often. I usually make a double batch and keep it on hand all summer long.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Montreal steak seasoning?

It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes and black pepper, but it isn’t overwhelmingly spicy.

Can I use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika?

Yes. Smoked paprika adds extra depth and smokiness, but regular paprika works perfectly well.

How long does homemade steak seasoning last?

Stored in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight, it will maintain its best flavor for about 6 months.

Can I use this as a dry rub?

Absolutely. It’s excellent as a dry rub for steak, chicken, pork, and even brisket.

Is Montreal steak seasoning gluten-free?

Yes, this homemade version is naturally gluten-free.

Storage

Store your seasoning in an airtight spice jar, mason jar, or seasoning container in a cool, dry pantry.

For the freshest flavor, use within 6 months.

Final Thoughts

If you’re already grilling regularly, making your own Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your cooking. It takes just a few minutes to mix together, costs less than buying specialty blends, and delivers incredible steakhouse flavor to everything from steaks and burgers to chicken and vegetables.

Once you start making your own seasoning blends, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them from the store.

Want to try some of my other seasoning blends? Check them out HERE

Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning

A bold and flavorful homemade Montreal steak seasoning made with garlic, onion, peppercorns, mustard seed, dill seed, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Perfect for steak, chicken, pork, burgers, and vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: About 1½ cups

Ingredients

3 tbsp granulated onion
3 tbsp whole black peppercorns
2 tbsp red pepper flakes
3 tbsp granulated garlic
2 tbsp smoked paprika
3 tbsp kosher salt
3 tbsp mustard seeds
2 tbsp coriander seeds
3 tbsp dill seeds

Instructions

Coarsely crush the peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and dill seeds.
Add to a bowl with the remaining ingredients.
Stir until evenly combined.
Transfer to an airtight container.
Store in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months.