Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just beginning your culinary journey, Montreal Steak Seasoning offers an instant upgrade to your meat dishes with minimal effort. This iconic spice blend strikes the perfect balance between bold flavor and versatility, enhancing rather than masking the natural taste of quality meat.
A Glimpse into Montreal Steak Seasoning’s History
The origin story of Montreal Steak Seasoning traces back to Montreal’s Jewish community in the 1940s and 1950s. The blend was reportedly created by Morris “The Shadow” Sherman, a broilerman who worked at Schwartz’s Deli, one of Montreal’s oldest and most revered Jewish delis established in 1928.
Initially, the seasoning was used as a dry rub for curing and flavoring smoked meats in the Romanian style that was popular among Montreal’s Jewish immigrants. The distinctive mix was inspired by traditional Eastern European pickling spices, particularly the aromatic blend used to season pastrami and corned beef.
What began as an in-house specialty at Schwartz’s gradually gained popularity beyond the deli’s walls. Local butchers and steakhouses began creating their own versions, and the blend became increasingly associated with Montreal’s unique grilling culture. By the 1970s, local spice companies were packaging and selling “Montreal Steak Spice” commercially.
The seasoning gained international recognition when McCormick & Company introduced it to the American market in the late 1980s, helping transform this regional specialty into a globally recognized flavor profile. Today, virtually every major spice brand offers their interpretation of the blend, cementing its place in grilling cultures worldwide.
What is Montreal Steak Seasoning?
Montreal Steak Seasoning is a robust, coarse-textured spice blend that originated in Montreal, Canada. Distinguished by its visible black pepper, salt crystals, and seeds, this seasoning combines pungent garlic and onion with the warmth of coriander and the subtle heat of red pepper flakes. The characteristic coarse texture creates a flavorful crust when applied to grilled meats.
What sets Montreal Steak Seasoning apart is its perfect balance between savory, aromatic, and subtly spicy elements, along with its distinctive texture that adheres beautifully to meat surfaces during cooking.
What Makes Montreal Steak Seasoning Special?
Several distinctive qualities have made Montreal Steak Seasoning a beloved addition to countless spice cabinets around the world:
Bold, Balanced Flavor: The blend delivers robust garlic and pepper notes balanced with the aromatic qualities of coriander and dill, creating a complex but harmonious flavor profile that complements rather than competes with the natural taste of meat.
Distinctive Texture: Unlike fine-ground seasonings, Montreal Steak Seasoning’s coarse texture creates a flavorful crust on grilled meats. This textural element adds both visual appeal and flavor concentration on the meat’s surface.
Versatility: While created for beef, the seasoning works beautifully with virtually any protein, from pork chops to chicken thighs, as well as vegetables and even potato dishes.
Visual Appeal: The multicolored flakes of pepper, herbs, and spices create an attractive finish that signals flavor even before the first bite.
Foolproof Application: The blend is remarkably forgiving for home cooks, delivering consistent results without requiring precise measuring or complex techniques.
What Does Montreal Steak Seasoning Taste Like?
Montreal Steak Seasoning offers a multidimensional flavor experience that unfolds in layers as you eat. The initial impact comes from the aromatic punch of garlic and black pepper—bold, savory notes that immediately announce their presence. This is quickly followed by the warming, slightly citrusy character of coriander seeds.
The dill seeds contribute a subtle herbal quality with hints of anise-like brightness, while the crushed red pepper provides a gentle heat that builds gradually without overwhelming. The rosemary adds a piney, resinous quality that particularly complements beef’s natural flavors.
The coarse salt crystals create little bursts of flavor throughout, enhancing the overall taste experience while helping to form the seasoning’s characteristic crust during cooking.
When properly applied to grilled meats, Montreal Steak Seasoning delivers:
- An immediate savory, garlicky front note
- Complex peppery heat that builds gradually
- Subtle aromatic notes from the seeds and herbs
- A satisfying textural element from the coarse grind
- Enhanced natural meat flavors through proper salt content
- A lingering, savory finish that leaves you craving another bite
For those new to this seasoning, expect a more complex, aromatic version of the classic salt-and-pepper combination, with added dimensions of flavor that enhance virtually any grilled protein.
How to Use Montreal Steak Seasoning in Your Cooking
Montreal Steak Seasoning’s versatility extends far beyond its namesake application. Here are traditional and creative ways to incorporate this flavorful blend into your cooking:
Time-Tested Methods
Steaks: Apply generously to room-temperature steaks (ribeye, strip, sirloin) about 30-45 minutes before grilling. The coarse texture helps form a flavorful crust while the interior remains juicy.
Burgers: Mix directly into ground beef (about 1 tablespoon per pound) before forming patties for flavor that penetrates throughout the burger.
Roasts: Use as a dry rub for beef roasts, prime rib, or whole beef tenderloin before roasting for an aromatic crust.
Pork Chops: Apply to thick-cut pork chops before grilling or pan-searing for a flavor profile that complements the slightly sweet nature of pork.
Beyond the Grill
Roasted Vegetables: Toss potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and Montreal Steak Seasoning before roasting for a savory side dish.
Bloody Mary Enhancement: Rim glasses with a mixture of Montreal Steak Seasoning and fine salt for a savory cocktail experience.
Compound Butter: Mix softened butter with a tablespoon of the seasoning to create a flavorful finish for steaks, baked potatoes, or corn on the cob.
Egg Dishes: Sprinkle on scrambled eggs or incorporate into omelets for a savory breakfast upgrade.
Homemade Potato Chips: Dust freshly fried or baked potato chips with a fine version of the blend for a gourmet snack.
Simple Montreal-Inspired Recipes
Pro Tips for Using Montreal Steak Seasoning
Application Timing: For steaks, apply the seasoning 30-45 minutes before cooking. This allows the salt to penetrate slightly while helping the meat come to room temperature for more even cooking.
Textural Advantage: Avoid the temptation to grind the seasoning finer. The coarse texture is intentional, creating pockets of flavor and contributing to the perfect crust formation.
Storage Recommendations: Store in an airtight container away from heat and light. While it won’t “go bad,” the volatile oils in the garlic and herbs will diminish over time, so aim to use within 3-4 months for optimal flavor.
Customization Tips: Adjust to your preference by adding more red pepper flakes for heat, paprika for color and sweetness, or brown sugar for a slightly sweet crust on longer-cooked meats.
Pairing Suggestions: Montreal-seasoned proteins pair wonderfully with bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, which stand up to the robust flavor profile of the seasoning.
Conclusion
By adding this versatile blend to your culinary arsenal, you connect with a rich tradition of North American grilling while gaining a time-saving shortcut to impressive flavor. Its ability to transform everything from weekend steaks to weeknight roasted vegetables makes it a practical investment for any kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Montreal Steak Seasoning
Is Montreal Steak Seasoning too salty? Commercial blends can vary in salt content. If salt sensitivity is a concern, make your own blend with reduced salt or apply the seasoning lightly. Remember that the salt content serves an important function in creating a flavorful crust on meats.
Can I use Montreal Steak Seasoning on chicken and fish? Absolutely! While created for beef, it works well with chicken (especially thighs) and hearty fish like salmon. For more delicate fish, use a lighter hand in application.
How is Montreal Steak Seasoning different from Montreal Chicken Seasoning? Montreal Chicken Seasoning typically includes additional herbs like thyme and sage and may reduce some of the bolder elements found in the steak version. It’s often slightly less coarse in texture as well.
Should I oil the meat before applying the seasoning? For leaner cuts, brushing with a light coat of oil helps the seasoning adhere and prevents sticking. For well-marbled steaks, the natural fat is usually sufficient.
Can I use Montreal Steak Seasoning in a sous vide preparation? Yes, but with a modification: Since long sous vide cooking times can intensify salt, either reduce the amount used or apply the seasoning after the sous vide process, just before the final sear.