Ditch the store-bought jar and make your own easy, homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning with just six simple ingredients. This versatile seasoning is ideal for steaks before grilling, but it also shines on burgers, roasted vegetables, potatoes, and more.
For years I kept a jar of commercial Montreal Steak Seasoning on the shelf—until I realized how easy it is to recreate at home. This homemade version is fresh, oil-free, sugar-free, and free from artificial flavors. With a coarse texture and bold flavor, it adds immediate character to grilled or pan-seared steaks, and it’s equally useful for many other dishes.
The secret to an authentic, satisfying steak seasoning is the use of coarse ingredients: coarse kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper combine with dried minced garlic and onion to create both flavor and texture. A touch of paprika and red pepper flakes round out the blend for color and mild heat.
Ingredients
Montreal Steak Seasoning is made from six pantry spices. For exact quantities, see the recipe card below.
- Coarse Kosher Salt
- Coarse Ground Black Pepper
- Paprika – use mild paprika for a classic flavor or smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
- Minced Garlic – dried minced garlic adds texture that stands up well to searing.
- Minced Onion
- Red Pepper Flakes – for a gentle heat; adjust to taste.
How to Make Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning
Whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl or jar until evenly combined. Because the blend uses coarse spices, it offers both bold flavor and a satisfying crust when applied to meats.
Store the seasoning in an airtight container or mason jar in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months. Spices gradually lose potency over time, so I recommend labeling your jar with the date and using it within six months for the best flavor.
If you cook regularly, making a double batch is convenient—fresh seasoning elevates many dishes and usually gets used quickly.
How to Use This Montreal Steak Seasoning
Aside from seasoning steaks, this mix is one of my go-to spice blends. Here are a dozen favorite uses that show how versatile the mix really is:
- As a steak rub. Pat onto steaks before grilling, pan-searing, or oven-roasting to create a flavorful crust.
- To season chicken. Sprinkle on chicken breasts, thighs, or whole birds for a simple, savory rub.
- To season pork. Use on pork chops, tenderloin, or roasts to enhance richness and depth.
- To season turkey. Rub on turkey breast or whole turkey for a savory, herb-forward flavor.
- For roasted or grilled vegetables. Toss vegetables with olive oil and a generous pinch of the seasoning before roasting or grilling.
- For potatoes. This blend is perfect for roasted, smashed, or grilled potatoes—coarse salt and pepper make potatoes shine.
- For burgers. Mix into ground beef or sprinkle on formed patties for a restaurant-style burger flavor.
- For pot roast. Rub the roast before slow cooking to infuse the meat with robust savory notes.
- For meatloaf. Add to the meat mixture to prevent blandness and boost savory complexity.
- In appetizer fillings. Use the seasoning in savory fillings like cheeseburger egg rolls or stuffed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- As a crunchy topping. Combine with panko and melted butter to create a seasoned, crispy topping for mac and cheese or casseroles.
- For smoked beef cuts. The coarse blend forms a flavorful crust on smoked tri-tip, chuck roast, or brisket.
More Seasoning Ideas
If you enjoy making your own spice blends, consider adding a few more to your pantry to keep meals exciting. Homemade blends let you control salt, heat, and flavor profiles so they work perfectly with your cooking style.
Montreal Steak Seasoning
Skip the store-bought jar and make this easy homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning with just six ingredients. Perfect for steaks, burgers, vegetables, and more.
Servings: 9 tablespoons
Prep Time: 5 minutes • Total Time: 5 minutes
Author: Whitney Bond
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons coarse ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or a mason jar and mix until well blended.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months. Label with the date for best results.
Notes
- While the seasoning remains safe to use beyond six months, the aromatic qualities will diminish with time. For peak flavor, use within six months.
- This blend is naturally gluten free, vegan, and Whole30 friendly.
Nutrition Facts (per tablespoon)
Calories: 15 kcal • Carbohydrates: 3 g • Protein: 1 g • Fat: 0.4 g • Sodium: 1567 mg
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on exact ingredients and brand choices.
Did you make this recipe? If you enjoyed it, consider saving the recipe so you can make it again—homemade spice blends are a fast way to elevate everyday meals.