montreal steak spice

Montreal steak spice is a seasoning blend originating from Montreal, Quebec, characterized by a coarse, granular texture and prominent use of cracked coriander seeds. The blend typically combines coriander, black peppercorns, red pepper flakes, garlic, and various other spices including dill, mustard seeds, and paprika, with larger particles than conventional ground spice blends. The ingredients are generally coarsely cracked or ground rather than finely powdered, creating a distinctive visual appearance and textural quality. The flavor profile is bold and complex, balancing warm spice notes from coriander with heat from black pepper and red pepper, mingled with herbaceous and slightly tangy notes from dill and garlic.

The blend became iconic through Montreal's smoked meat tradition, where it serves as both a curing rub and a finishing seasoning for beef brisket and other cuts. Various commercial and homemade formulations exist, though the coarse coriander seed remains a defining characteristic across most versions.

Montreal steak spice is primarily used as a dry rub for grilling, broiling, and pan-searing beef steaks, though it also complements lamb, bison, and other robust meats. Its coarse texture adheres well to meat surfaces and creates a flavorful crust during cooking. Beyond steaks, the blend enhances roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, and smoked meats, particularly in the preparation of Montreal-style smoked meat (also called Montreal smoked beef). It can be applied before cooking as a rub or sprinkled as a finishing seasoning. The blend pairs well with simple preparations that allow the spice complexity to shine, and works effectively in dry brines for extended marinading.