How Do You Make Montreal Steak Seasoning? A Spicy, Savory, and Totally Addictive Guide!

How Do You Make Montreal Steak Seasoning? A Spicy, Savory, and Totally Addictive Guide!

How Do You Make Montreal Steak Seasoning?

Table of Contents

Introduction to Montreal Steak Seasoning

If your idea of heaven involves a perfectly grilled ribeye rubbed in a bold, garlicky, peppery crust — then welcome home, fellow carnivore. Montreal steak seasoning is the secret weapon of chefs and backyard grillers alike. But here’s the kicker: you don’t have to buy it at the store when you can easily whip up your own batch at home.

Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning in a Mason Jar

In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about how do you make Montreal steak seasoning — from ingredient ratios to creative ways to use it beyond steaks. Buckle up; it’s going to be a spicy ride!

A Dash of History

You might be wondering, “What exactly makes it *Montreal*?” The name doesn’t come from a specific restaurant or spice company — but rather from the bold, punchy flavor profile associated with steakhouses in the city of Montreal during the 1940s and 50s. The blend typically includes garlic, coarse salt, cracked black pepper, and paprika, often with onion powder and chili flakes for extra heat.

Vintage image of a Montreal steakhouse

The Core Ingredients (and Why They Matter)

Here’s where things get serious (but not too serious). Let’s break down what goes into a classic Montreal steak seasoning and why each ingredient plays a key role:

Ingredient Role Substitution Tip
Coarse Kosher Salt Balances the heat and enhances other flavors Sea salt works well in a pinch
Black Pepper (Cracked) The backbone of the seasoning — adds bite and earthiness Use whole peppercorns ground fresh
Garlic Powder Umami boost with a bit of sharpness Fresh minced garlic for cooking, but skip in dry rubs
Onion Powder Adds sweetness and depth Can substitute with granulated onion
Paprika Color, mild smokiness, and visual appeal Smoked paprika = extra depth
Chili Flakes (optional) Kick of heat without overwhelming the senses Cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper work too
Close-up of spices laid out neatly

Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning

Ready to get mixing? This recipe yields about ½ cup of seasoning — enough to coat several steaks or season your next BBQ feast.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp coarse kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until evenly combined.
  2. Transfer to an airtight container — glass jars are ideal.
  3. Label and store in a cool, dark place.
Mixing spices in a bowl before bottling

Pro Tips for Using Your Seasoning Like a Grill Master

This isn’t just for steak! Here are some top uses for your homemade Montreal steak seasoning:

  • Rub for ribs or chicken: Pat it on before grilling or roasting for a savory kick.
  • Popcorn surprise: Toss air-popped popcorn with melted butter and a dash of this blend for gourmet snack vibes.
  • Egg enhancer: Sprinkle on scrambled eggs or avocado toast for breakfast with attitude.
  • Soup & stew savior: Adds depth to tomato-based soups or beef stews.
Seasoned popcorn with Montreal steak spice

Spice It Up: Flavor Variations to Try

Want to make your own signature blend? Here are some ideas to jazz up your Montreal seasoning:

Variation Added Ingredient(s) Best Use
Tex-Mex Twist Cumin, lime zest, chipotle powder Grilled flank steak or tacos
Asian Fusion Sesame seeds, ginger powder, five-spice Stir-fries or grilled pork
Mediterranean Magic Oregano, thyme, lemon zest Roasted lamb or veggies
BBQ Heatwave Mustard powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika Brisket or burgers
Different spice blends side by side

Storage Hacks: Keep That Zing Alive!

Your homemade spice blend will last 6–8 months if stored properly. To maximize shelf life:

  • Keep it away from direct light and moisture.
  • Use clean, dry spoons when scooping — no double-dipping!
  • Add a few grains of rice to the jar to absorb humidity.
Jars of spices labeled and stored in a cabinet

Conclusion: Spice It, Season It, Slap It On Anything!

So there you have it — the ultimate guide on how do you make Montreal steak seasoning. Whether you're firing up the grill or spicing up your pantry staples, this simple, customizable blend is your new best friend in the kitchen.

Now go forth and season like a boss. Your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!

Perfectly grilled steak seasoned with Montreal blend
Chef Liu Wei

Chef Liu Wei

A master of Chinese cuisine with special expertise in the regional spice traditions of Sichuan, Hunan, Yunnan, and Cantonese cooking. Chef Liu's culinary journey began in his family's restaurant in Chengdu, where he learned the complex art of balancing the 23 distinct flavors recognized in traditional Chinese gastronomy. His expertise in heat management techniques - from numbing Sichuan peppercorns to the slow-building heat of dried chilies - transforms how home cooks approach spicy cuisines. Chef Liu excels at explaining the philosophy behind Chinese five-spice and other traditional blends, highlighting their connection to traditional Chinese medicine and seasonal eating practices. His demonstrations of proper wok cooking techniques show how heat, timing, and spice application work together to create authentic flavors. Chef Liu's approachable teaching style makes the sophisticated spice traditions of China accessible to cooks of all backgrounds.