Montreal Steak Seasoning is a simple blend of spices that is perfect for grilling steaks or marinating meat in general. This is a staple recipe for grilling.
We are in grilling season, and I am loving every second of it. I would happily eat all my summer meals off the grill, in the sunshine, and on our patio.
If you are grilling a lot this summer, I would encourage you to first try my Hamburger Seasoning, and then of course this amazing Montreal Steak Seasoning. Made with a few simple ingredients, it will take a ho hum steak and turn it into a thing of wonder.
Now, I know what you are thinking. Steak doesn’t really need much more than salt, pepper, and a little bit of grape seed oil for the pan to sear it. I agree with you! But not all steaks are created equal. And there are some cuts where you need a little more to make the meat shine. This steak seasoning is just the thing.
What is Montreal Steak Seasoning
This great seasoning mix, as the name implies, comes from Montreal. Specifically, it comes from a butcher by the name of Morris Sherman who worked at Schwartz’s deli. The seasoning became a hit after Sherman took the spices that they were using to cure meat and started using them on ribs and steak. The rest is history.
Montreal Steak Seasoning Ingredients
Though recipes will vary, the spices listed below are the basics for a good Montreal Steak Seasoning. As with all of my recipes, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post to get the full measurements.
- Garlic Powder: Be careful that you are using garlic powder and not garlic salt.
- Kosher Salt: If you don’t have kosher salt on hand, you will want to start with only 1 tablespoon of table salt and adjust from there.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Even if you are opposed to heat, I would suggest using the red pepper flakes in this recipe. They add a great layer of flavor.
- Coriander: These are the seeds of cilantro plants, and when ground up add a great depth of flavor to recipes. Even if cilantro makes you taste dish soap, you can enjoy this great spice.
- Dill Seed: While this may not be an ingredient you have on hand, you can buy it in small quantities and it is a great addition to this recipe. It would also be great to throw in with my Pickled Eggs.
- Black Pepper: The original steak seasoning called for black peppercorns, as most pickling spices do. That said, I love using ground black pepper in this.
- Onion Powder: Another great layer of flavor, even if you aren’t an onion lover, you will appreciate this great flavor in the recipe.
Using Steak Seasoning for Steak
As you can see here, we love to add a little to each side of the steak before either grilling it or searing it in a cast iron skillet.
- Heat oil in a cast iron skillet. You want the oil to be smoking before you add the steak. Because of that you need to use an oil that can stand up to that high heat. I recommend either grape seed oil or canola oil.
- Season the steak. Add about a teaspoon of the seasoning to each side of the steak (two teaspoons total).
- Add the steak to the hot oil. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Or until it reaches the level of doneness you prefer using an instant read thermometer – 145 degrees for medium, 150 for medium well, and 160 for well done.
Montreal Steak Seasoning Marinade
If you would like to use this as a steak marinade for one pound of meat – whether that be beef or chicken – you can follow the recipe below.
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Montreal Steak Seasoning
For chicken you should marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, never marinating more than 24 hours. For beef, you should marinate for 6 to 12 hours, never marinating more than 24 hours.
Storing
Stored in an air tight container and in a cool dry place, this recipe will last for up to six months. Consider that the fresher your herbs and spices are to begin with, the longer this mix will last in your pantry.
FAQ
This is a simple combination of garlic powder, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, coriander, dill seed, black pepper and onion powder.
Yes! This recipe is totally gluten free. As with any recipe, if you are serving a guest with a gluten allergy, double check all of your ingredients. (Please note if you use it as a marinade as shown above, soy sauce has gluten in it.)
The most obvious answer, of course, is to season a steak. Read all about how to do that above. But, it can also be used as a marinade by tossing it together with a few other ingredients.
Absolutely! But, might I suggest, that you would enjoy our pork rub more?
You bet! But you might want to try our chicken rub instead.
Other Great Seasoning Mixes
If you try this Montreal Steak Seasoning recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
Montreal Steak Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon coriander
- 1 tablespoon dill seed
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients together.
- Store in an airtight container in a dark dry place for up to six months.
Tim Clute says
Here’s another use for Montreal Steak Seasoning.
The Italian Restaurant my wife ‘n I frequent adds it to a bottle Extra Virgin Olive Oil to use to dip fresh bread in that comes to the table as an appetizer.
That’s an amazing idea, Tim! Thanks!
ColleenB.~Tx. says
Great homemade item to put in gift baskets for the griller guy
Yes! I hope you enjoy it!