Why Homemade Montreal Seasoning is a Game-Changer

If you’ve ever stood over a sizzling grill with a juicy steak and wished for that punchy, smoky, peppery crust—the kind only steakhouses seem to get right—then this Montreal seasoning recipe is your answer. With just a few pantry spices, you can create a bold, versatile blend that rivals McCormick’s famous version, minus the preservatives and hidden salt overload.

I first discovered the magic of Montreal seasoning while making ribeye steaks with my grandfather. He had a small jar labeled “meat rub,” made from scratch in his kitchen. It wasn’t until much later I realized it mimicked the iconic Montreal steak spice, born from Jewish delis in Montreal, Canada. That original blend was packed with cracked pepper, garlic, coriander, and dill—simple but full of flavor. He didn’t buy it. He made it.

That’s what we do at Recent Recipe. We build flavor from the ground up, celebrating the rich history behind every blend. Just like the story behind this blog—a place to share flavor-packed meals, reinvent classics, and return to our roots by making things ourselves, one spice jar at a time.

Whether you’re grilling steak, tossing veggies, or seasoning fries, this recipe delivers bold flavor every single time. Let’s explore why it works so well and how to make it your own.

PART 1 : The Flavor Story Behind Montreal Seasoning

The origins trace back to the Jewish immigrant butchers of Montreal, particularly Schwartz’s Deli. They created a dry-rub using spices traditionally found in Romanian pastrami. Later, this spice combo was adopted by local steakhouses to season ribeyes and strip steaks—and the rest is savory, smoky history.

Today, Montreal seasoning is found in millions of kitchens, usually in the form of a store-bought shaker bottle. But what makes the homemade version better? One word: control.

When you make your own Montreal seasoning recipe, you:

• Avoid MSG and anti-caking agents
• Control the salt level (perfect for low-sodium diets)
• Customize flavors to your preference (like smoked paprika for depth)
• Save money by blending in bulk

This spice blend is more than just steak seasoning. It’s an all-purpose powerhouse. Sprinkle it on baked potatoes, roasted chicken, grilled corn, or even scrambled eggs. With each use, you’ll discover why homemade wins.

What Makes This Seasoning So Special?

Let’s break down the flavors:

• Coarse black pepper brings the signature heat and texture.
• Paprika adds a warm, mild sweetness and vibrant color.
• Coriander seeds offer a citrusy brightness that enhances meat.
• Dill seed is the unsung hero—herbaceous and complex.
• Granulated garlic & onion provide that familiar savory punch.
• Red pepper flakes lend a subtle back heat.
• Kosher salt balances and preserves.

These ingredients work together to create a rub that crusts beautifully, locks in juices, and wakes up your palate.

When you grind them fresh (we’ll show you how), the aroma alone is worth the effort. Add this blend to your next dinner and see why it’s a kitchen staple at RecentRecipe’s dinner section.

We’ll dive into Part 2: The Classic Recipe + Variations, including:

• A visual table of ingredients with flavor notes
• A detailed walkthrough on how to mix and store
• Smoky, spicy, citrusy twists for different uses
• Low-sodium and allium-free options

PART 2 : Classic Montreal Seasoning Recipe + Variations

Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why They Matter)

Crafting the perfect Montreal seasoning comes down to one key element: balance. Below is a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need, along with what each one adds to the mix. You can scale this up to make a big batch or adjust based on your flavor preferences.

You’ll get the best flavor by using whole coriander and dill seeds, then lightly crushing them with a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. It makes the texture pop and keeps your blend fresher longer.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Blend

Here’s how to create this seasoning from scratch. It only takes 5 minutes, and the result is powerful flavor you can use all week.

1. Measure out all ingredients exactly.
2. Crush seeds: Use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to gently crush the coriander and dill seeds.
3. Mix together: In a small bowl, combine everything until evenly mixed.
4. Store: Transfer to an airtight spice jar or small mason jar. Keep in a cool, dry place.

Properly stored, your Montreal seasoning will stay fresh for 6–8 months. To keep the spices from clumping, toss a few dry rice grains or a silica gel packet into the jar.

Want more meal inspiration for using this blend? Try pairing it with juicy recipes in our Lunch collection like grilled chicken wraps or steak salads.

Coming Next: We’ll take this base recipe even further in Part 3, where you’ll learn how to adjust it for:

• Low-Sodium diets
• Garlic/Onion-free needs
• Smoky, spicy, and citrusy versions

PART 3: Custom Variations for Every Preference

Whether you’re avoiding salt, cooking for someone with an allium allergy, or just want a spicy kick—this Montreal seasoning recipe has you covered. Below are tested, flavorful adaptations that keep the essence of the blend intact while catering to common dietary preferences.

Low Sodium & Allium-Free Versions

Low-Sodium Montreal Seasoning

Many store-bought blends are loaded with salt, making it hard to enjoy flavor without going overboard. This version reduces sodium without sacrificing taste. You can either cut salt altogether or swap it with potassium salt (like NoSalt or LiteSalt).

Allium-Free Montreal Seasoning (No Garlic or Onion)

This version is ideal for anyone with IBS, FODMAP concerns, or allium sensitivity.

• Substitute garlic & onion: Use ½ tsp of asafoetida (hing) powder. It delivers that deep umami note without digestive side effects.
• Boost with herbs: Add dried chives or a hint of ground fennel for aroma.

This garlic-free rub is excellent on grilled pork chops or vegetables. For inspiration, explore options in our Dinner collection.

Smoky, Spicy & Citrus Twists

These fun tweaks are perfect for those who want to push flavor boundaries or match a specific dish.

Smoky Montreal Seasoning

• Replace regular paprika with smoked paprika
• Optional: add ¼ tsp chipotle powder for extra depth

Spicy Montreal Seasoning

• Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or hot chili flakes
• Use freshly ground peppercorns for a sharper heat

Citrus-Zest Montreal Seasoning

• Add 1 tsp dried lemon zest or orange peel
• Ideal for seafood, grilled shrimp, or salad dressings

These recipe variations are exactly what most spice brands skip—and they’re what readers search for. Whether you’re seeking low-sodium, allium-free, or something bold and smoky, making your own Montreal blend gives you full control.

Next, let’s put it to good use with 15+ delicious applications in Part 4, from steak to popcorn.

Part 4 : 15 Genius Ways to Use Montreal Seasoning

You’ve made the perfect Montreal seasoning recipe—now let’s put it to work. While it’s best known as a steak rub, this spice blend is a powerhouse in everyday cooking. Below are 15 creative, flavor-packed ideas organized by category.

Protein Pairings: Beyond the Grill

1. Classic Grilled Steak
Rub directly on ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip. Let sit for 15–30 minutes before grilling. Pair with loaded potatoes or a crisp salad from our Lunch recipes.

2. Montreal Chicken Thighs
Coat chicken thighs with olive oil and liberally season with the spice blend. Roast at 400°F until crispy and golden.

3. Pork Chops with Crust
Sear thick chops in a hot pan with a Montreal rub. The coarse spices help create a flavorful, caramelized crust.

4. Salmon or Tuna Steaks
Use the citrus variation for a zesty seafood twist. This is ideal for quick weeknight meals with rice and veggies.

5. Turkey Burgers or Ground Chicken Patties
Mix seasoning directly into the meat for a smoky, savory upgrade.

Veggies, Sides & Snacks

6. Montreal Roasted Potatoes
Toss cubed potatoes with olive oil and spice mix, then roast until crisp. A go-to side in our Dinner section.

7. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Brush corn with butter, sprinkle seasoning, and char on the grill. Simple but unforgettable.

8. Oven-Roasted Cauliflower or Broccoli
Gives these mild veggies a major kick. Use the spicy variation for extra heat.

9. Montreal Mac & Cheese Topping
Stir into buttered breadcrumbs and bake on top of mac and cheese for a crunchy, savory layer.

10. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet meets spicy when you sprinkle Montreal seasoning on fries before roasting.

Creative Uses You’ll Love

11. Popcorn Upgrade
Sprinkle a tiny bit over fresh popcorn for a savory snack. Especially tasty with smoked paprika versions.

12. Egg Dishes
Add to scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast burritos. Explore more breakfast flavor with our Breakfast recipes.

13. Homemade Croutons
Toss bread cubes with olive oil and seasoning, bake until crispy. Perfect on salads or soups.

14. Compound Butter
Mash softened butter with seasoning. Chill and slice onto grilled meats or bread.

15. Dips & Sauces
Mix into sour cream or Greek yogurt to create a quick and flavorful dip. Add to melted butter for a steak drizzle or sandwich spread.

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to label your homemade mix with the date and variation (Spicy, Low-Sodium, etc.). You can even make small jars as DIY gifts for foodie friends!