Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning

This homemade Montreal steak seasoning combines simple pantry spices into a bold, savory blend that will make every steak taste unforgettable.

I know what you might be thinking—what exactly is Montreal steak seasoning?

It’s nothing too exotic, I promise! In fact, your family will love it. This flavorful blend has roots in Eastern Europe but became famous in a Montreal deli, where it earned its iconic name. Made with simple spices like cracked peppercorns, paprika, garlic powder, and more, this smoky, savory seasoning is most often used as a dry rub before grilling. (But honestly, you can sprinkle it on just about anything—steak, chicken, potatoes, you name it.) I use it on every steak I cook, and it’s the secret ingredient in my Salisbury steak recipe.

Like all of my homemade spice blends, this Montreal steak seasoning is quick and budget-friendly to make. Just break up the peppercorns in a blender, mix them with a few pantry staples, and you’ll have a bold, gourmet seasoning that takes your steak dinners to the next level—without the fancy price tag.

Why this Recipe Works

Bold Flavor with Simple Ingredients – Uses everyday spices like peppercorns, paprika, and garlic powder to create a rich, smoky, and savory seasoning without any hard-to-find ingredients.

Versatile & Customizable – Perfect as a steak rub but also delicious on chicken, pork, potatoes, and even in recipes like Salisbury steak—plus you can adjust the heat and salt to your taste.

Freshness You Can Taste – Making it at home means no stale store-bought blends—just freshly ground spices that pack maximum flavor into every bite.

Ingredients & Tools

About the ingredients:

• Crushed Peppercorns – The star of the blend! Freshly crushed peppercorns give Montreal steak seasoning its signature smoky, robust flavor and coarse texture that clings beautifully to meat.
• Mustard Seeds – Add a subtle tang and depth of flavor that balances the richness of grilled steak.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances all the other spices while helping create that crave-worthy crust when searing or grilling.
• Paprika – Brings a mild sweetness and gorgeous color to the blend, with just a hint of smokiness.
• Dried Dill – A nod to the seasoning’s Eastern European roots, dill adds a fresh, slightly tangy note that makes this blend unique.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – These pantry staples add warmth, savory depth, and that irresistible “something extra” you’ll taste in every bite.
• Optional Heat – While classic Montreal steak seasoning isn’t overly spicy, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.

About the Blender

You don’t have to use a blender to make homemade Montreal steak seasoning—but it’s definitely my tool of choice. Some traditionalists prefer a mortar and pestle for a more hands-on approach, but an electric blender or spice grinder will save you time and effort, especially when breaking down whole peppercorns and mustard seeds. The result is a perfectly blended seasoning with an even texture in just seconds.

If you’re short on time (or chasing kids around while making dinner), the blender is a game changer. Just toss in your spices, pulse a few times, and you’re ready to season like a pro—no sore wrists required

Directions

Creating an incredible jar of steak seasoning doesn’t get much easier than this.

Place whole peppercorns in a small saute pan. Heat on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until toasted but not burnt. (You’ll start to smell the pepper.) Mix often to prevent burning. Pour warm peppercorns into a high powered blender and blend for 5-10 seconds until broken apart.

Combine the peppercorns with all the other seasonings listed above. Mix well in a bowl. Then, using a funnel pour into a mason jar.

Label the jar, and store in a dark dry place for up to 3 months. Use as directed in recipes or pat onto steaks before grilling.

FAQs

Here I’ve compiled a few questions I’ve gotten when sharing this steak seasoning recipe.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Here’s a few extra tricks to make your seasoning just a little more special.

• Yield: Recipe makes roughly 1 cup.
• Strong Smell: Beware that once you toast and blend the peppercorns it’s going to give an intense smell of pepper. Try to keep your face away from the blender when you initially open the lid. Trust me, you’ll be sneezing for a minute straight!
• Label & Storage: I find that I like to store my seasoning in a glass jar. I also use paper washi tape to write on using a permanent marker, and stick on the mason jar. It is a removable tape that won’t be forever stuck on your jar making it ideal for spice mixes that are store in glass jars.
• Additions: There’s no one true Montreal steak seasoning recipe. Everyone puts their own twist on it, it seems! If you’re looking for inspiration, try adding…
  • Cayenne: For a true spicy kick.
  • Rosemary: To flavor, if you’re a fan of the herb.
• Other meats: Chicken and pork also taste fantastic doused in Montreal steak seasoning. It’s really versatile!
• Other dishes: Try this seasoning on vegetables of any kind and you’ll thank me. Breakfast foods like hash browns also take on a whole new dimension with Montreal steak seasoning. So, so good.

If you try this homemade Montreal steak seasoning, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a star rating and a quick comment. I spend hours testing and perfecting my recipes, and your feedback not only makes my day—it helps other readers find and enjoy them too!

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