If you love that bold, peppery steakhouse flavor, this Copycat McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning tastes just like the store-bought bottle — for a fraction of the cost. It comes together in five minutes with pantry spices you already have, and you get to control the salt and heat yourself.
It’s the same coarse, garlicky, slightly tangy blend you reach for on steaks, burgers, chicken, and roasted vegetables — only fresher, because you’re mixing it the day you use it. Once you see how simple the McCormick Montreal Steak formula really is, you may never buy the jar again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes just like McCormick: A faithful copycat of the iconic Montreal Steak blend, right down to the coriander and dill.
- Big steakhouse flavor: Bold, peppery, and coarse — it builds a craveable crust on grilled and seared meat.
- Ready in 5 minutes: Just measure, stir, and store. No cooking required.
- Pantry-friendly: Uses simple spices you likely already have on hand.
- You control it: Adjust the salt and heat to your taste, with no anti-caking agents or fillers.
- Endlessly versatile: Great on steak, burgers, chicken, potatoes, and vegetables.
What’s in McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning?
The original McCormick bottle is built on coarsely ground black pepper, salt, garlic, onion, paprika, red and green pepper, and coriander. What makes Montreal seasoning different from a plain steak rub is that bright, slightly tangy edge — and this copycat nails it with coriander and dill seeds.
This homemade version matches that profile closely, so you get the same recognizable flavor without the additives or the grocery-store price.
Ingredients
- Kosher Salt: Coarse salt seasons the meat and helps form a crust.
- Black Pepper: Cracked, not fine — it’s the backbone of Montreal flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Savory depth that pairs perfectly with beef.
- Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness and roundness.
- Paprika: Brings color and a mild, smoky pepper note.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A light, lingering heat.
- Dill Seeds: The signature bright, slightly tangy herbal note.
- Coriander Seeds: Warm, citrusy spice that balances the bold savory flavors.
How to Make Homemade McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning
Step 1: Add the kosher salt, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, dill seeds, and coriander seeds to a small mixing bowl.
Step 2: Stir everything together until evenly combined. For a more authentic coarse texture, lightly crush the dill and coriander seeds with a mortar and pestle. Taste a small pinch and adjust the salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.
Step 3: Transfer to an airtight spice jar or container and store in a cool, dry place. Sprinkle generously over steaks before grilling, air frying, or pan-searing — it’s just as good on burgers, chicken, potatoes, and roasted vegetables.
Recipe Tips
- Use coarse spices: Real Montreal seasoning has a chunky texture, so coarse salt and cracked pepper give the most authentic steakhouse flavor.
- Lightly crush whole seeds: Gently crushing the coriander and dill releases more flavor without grinding them to powder.
- Adjust the heat: Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier blend, or scale back for something milder.
- Toast for extra depth (optional): A quick minute in a dry pan deepens the aroma before you mix.
- Make a bigger batch: It stores well, so double or triple it to stay stocked for grilling season.
- Use it beyond steak: It’s excellent on burgers, chicken, roasted potatoes, vegetables, and even popcorn.
How to Use Montreal Steak Seasoning
Use about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per 1 pound of meat. Sprinkle it generously over both sides of steak, burgers, or chicken before grilling, broiling, air frying, or pan-searing. For thicker cuts, season at least 30 minutes ahead (or up to overnight in the fridge) so the salt has time to work in. It’s also great tossed with oil over potatoes or vegetables before roasting.
Storing Instructions
Store your homemade Montreal steak seasoning in an airtight spice jar or container in a cool, dry place such as a pantry or spice cabinet. For the best flavor and freshness, use within 3–6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this taste like real McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning? Yes — it’s built on the same core of coarse pepper, salt, garlic, onion, paprika, and coriander, with dill for that signature tangy note. Most people can’t tell the difference from the bottle.
Can I make this seasoning without whole seeds? Yes. Use pre-ground coriander and dill if that’s what you have, though the flavor will be a little less bold and aromatic.
How long does homemade Montreal steak seasoning last? Stored airtight in a cool, dry place, it stays fresh for 3–6 months.
Can I adjust the spice level? Absolutely. Add more red pepper flakes for heat, or reduce them for a milder blend.
Is this seasoning only for steak? Not at all — it’s excellent on chicken, burgers, pork, roasted vegetables, and potatoes.
Can I make a large batch ahead of time? Yes. It keeps well, so mixing a bigger batch is a great time-saver for grilling season.
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Copycat McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning
Description
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dill seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl and stir until evenly mixed.
- Lightly crush the dill and coriander seeds with a mortar and pestle for more flavor.
- Taste a small pinch and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
- Transfer to an airtight container or spice jar and store in a cool, dry place for 3–6 months.
- Sprinkle generously on steaks, burgers, chicken, roasted vegetables, or potatoes before cooking — about 1 tablespoon per pound.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
Nutrition
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