Montreal Steak Spice - 125 grams

Montreal Steak Spice – Bold Canadian-Inspired Steak Seasoning

A coarse, full-flavoured steak seasoning inspired by the legendary spice blends of Montreal, Canada.

Johnny Retro Montreal Steak Spice delivers bold pepper, garlic, savoury spices and a distinctive coarse texture designed to create a richly seasoned crust on steak, burgers and grilled meats.

Inspired by the seasoning traditionally associated with Montreal’s famous delicatessens and steakhouses, this versatile dry spice rub brings Canadian-inspired flavour to Australian BBQs, kitchens and family meals.

Use it on steak, lamb, pork, beef burgers, roast vegetables, mushrooms and potatoes—or add it to pickling and preserving recipes for an unexpected savoury twist.

Nothing Artificial. Only the Good Stuff.

Why You’ll Love It

• Bold, savoury Canadian-inspired steak seasoning
• Coarse texture designed to build a flavourful crust
• Perfect for steak, beef burgers and grilled red meat
• Excellent with lamb, pork, mushrooms and roast vegetables
• Suitable for the BBQ, grill, flat plate, oven or frying pan
• Can be used as a dry rub, cooking seasoning or finishing spice
• Useful in pickling and preserving recipes
• Made without artificial fillers, preservatives or unnecessary additives
• Proudly made in Melbourne, Australia

What Is Montreal Steak Spice?

Montreal Steak Spice, also known as Montreal Steak Seasoning, is a coarse dry seasoning traditionally used on steaks and grilled meats.

Its flavour is typically built around cracked pepper, garlic, coriander, salt and savoury spices. Recipes vary, but the defining characteristics are a bold flavour and coarse texture that stand up well to the high heat of a BBQ, grill or cast-iron pan.

Unlike a finely ground seasoning that can disappear into the surface of the meat, Montreal-style seasoning creates visible texture and concentrated bursts of flavour. This helps form the deeply seasoned crust that makes a well-cooked steak so satisfying.

A Brief History of Montreal Steak Spice

Montreal Steak Spice has its roots in the smoked-meat traditions of Montreal, Quebec.

The seasoning is widely associated with Schwartz’s Deli, the Montreal institution established in 1928. According to the commonly told story, broilerman Morris “The Shadow” Sherman began adding the deli’s smoked-meat pickling spices to rib and liver steaks during the 1940s and 1950s.

Customers reportedly began asking for their steaks to be seasoned the same way. The style spread through Montreal’s delicatessens and steakhouses and eventually became known internationally as Montreal Steak Spice or Montreal Steak Seasoning.

Its connection to Montreal smoked meat explains the seasoning’s bold, peppery character. A blend originally associated with curing and seasoning meat became one of the world’s best-known ways to flavour steak.

What Does Montreal Steak Spice Taste Like?

Johnny Retro Montreal Steak Spice has a bold, savoury flavour with cracked pepper, aromatic spice and plenty of character.

The seasoning is robust enough for steak and other red meats, while still being versatile enough for pork, lamb, burgers, mushrooms, potatoes and vegetables.

It is not intended to cover the natural flavour of the meat. Instead, the salt, pepper, garlic and spices work together to enhance it and create a richly seasoned exterior.

Why Does the Coarse Texture Matter?

The coarse texture is one of the defining features of Montreal Steak Spice.

Larger seasoning particles remain on the surface of the meat as it cooks. Under high heat, they become part of the crust, delivering texture, aroma and concentrated flavour in every bite.

Coarse seasoning is particularly effective on thicker steaks, lamb cutlets, pork chops and burger patties. For smaller or more delicate foods, the blend can be lightly crushed before use to create a finer texture.

How to Use Montreal Steak Spice

1. Remove the meat from its packaging and pat the surface dry with paper towel.
2. Lightly coat the meat with oil if needed to help the seasoning adhere.
3. Sprinkle the Montreal Steak Spice evenly over both sides of the meat.
4. Press the seasoning gently onto the surface rather than rubbing it off.
5. Cook on a preheated BBQ, grill, flat plate or pan until the meat reaches your preferred level of doneness.
6. Allow steak and larger cuts to rest before slicing and serving.

Begin with an even coating rather than burying the meat in seasoning. The amount required will depend on the thickness of the cut, its surface area and your personal preference.

Montreal Steak Spice for Steak

Johnny Retro Montreal Steak Spice is made for steaks cooked over high heat. It works particularly well with ribeye, scotch fillet, porterhouse, sirloin, T-bone, rump, tomahawk, flat iron and flank steak.

Pat the steak dry, lightly coat it with oil and season both sides. Place it on a hot cooking surface and allow the first side to develop a rich crust before turning.

Avoid constantly moving the steak. Good contact with the grill or pan gives the coarse seasoning time to become part of the crust.

Best Steak Cuts for Montreal Steak Seasoning

• Ribeye or scotch fillet: Rich marbling works beautifully with the peppery, savoury seasoning.
• Porterhouse or sirloin: A reliable everyday steak that develops an excellent seasoned crust.
• T-bone: Montreal Steak Spice complements both the tenderloin and strip sides.
• Tomahawk steak: The coarse blend stands up well to a large, thick cut of beef.
• Rump steak: Bold seasoning adds flavour to this leaner, beefy cut.
• Flat iron, flank or skirt steak: Season before grilling, rest well and slice across the grain.

Cooking Steak on the BBQ

Preheat the BBQ or grill before adding the steak. A properly heated cooking surface helps sear the outside and develop a seasoned crust.

Season the steak evenly, cook the first side without excessive movement, then turn and finish to your preferred doneness. Rest the steak before slicing so the juices can settle through the meat.

Cooking Steak in a Frying Pan or Cast-Iron Pan

Montreal Steak Spice also works well when cooking indoors.

Preheat a heavy frying pan or cast-iron pan, add a suitable cooking oil and place the seasoned steak into the hot pan. Cook until a crust forms, turn the steak and finish the second side.

For thick cuts, reduce the heat after searing or finish the steak in the oven. Rest before serving.

Montreal Steak Spice for Reverse-Seared Steak

Reverse searing is particularly useful for thick steaks such as tomahawk, ribeye and porterhouse.

Cook the seasoned steak gently in the oven or over indirect BBQ heat until it approaches the desired internal temperature. Finish it quickly over high heat to develop the crust.

The coarse seasoning works well with this method because the final sear intensifies the pepper, garlic and savoury spices on the surface.

Montreal Steak Spice for Beef Burgers

Montreal Steak Spice is an excellent burger seasoning. Its coarse pepper and savoury character complement beef, cheese, bacon, onions, mushrooms and burger sauces.

If using fresh mince, form the patties gently without overworking the meat. Place the patties on the hot grill or flat plate, season the first side, then flip and season the other side to build a rich, peppered crust.

Use it on classic beef burgers, cheeseburgers, bacon burgers or steak sandwiches.

Montreal Steak Spice for Lamb and Pork

The seasoning is not limited to beef. Use it on lamb cutlets, lamb steaks, pork chops, pork tenderloin or roast pork.

Apply a light coating of oil, season evenly and grill, roast or pan-cook until the meat is properly cooked. The pepper, garlic and savoury spices work especially well with the browned exterior of lamb and pork.

Montreal Steak Spice for Vegetables and Mushrooms

Johnny Retro Montreal Steak Spice adds bold flavour to mushrooms, potatoes, cauliflower, zucchini, capsicum, pumpkin and other roasted or grilled vegetables.

Toss vegetables with oil and a light coating of seasoning before cooking. For mushrooms, season before grilling or pan cooking and finish with butter or olive oil.

Because the blend is coarse and strongly flavoured, begin lightly when seasoning smaller vegetables and add more after cooking if required.

Montreal Steak Spice for Roast Potatoes

Toss potatoes with oil and Montreal Steak Spice before roasting. The coarse pepper, garlic and savoury spices become fragrant as the potatoes develop a crisp, golden exterior.

It can also be used on wedges, smashed potatoes, fries and grilled potato slices.

Use It for Pickling and Preserving

Montreal Steak Spice developed from a seasoning tradition connected with pickled and cured meat, so it is naturally useful beyond the BBQ.

Add a small amount to pickling liquid for red onions, cucumbers or other vegetables. The coarse pepper and aromatic spices add savoury complexity and create a distinctive house-style pickle.

The seasoning contains salt, so adjust any additional salt in the recipe accordingly.

More Than a Steak Seasoning

• Steak, tomahawk and grilled beef
• Beef burgers and smash-style burgers
• Lamb cutlets and lamb steaks
• Pork chops and pork tenderloin
• Steak sandwiches
• Roasted mushrooms
• Roast potatoes and wedges
• Grilled and roasted vegetables
• Pickled red onions and cucumbers
• Homemade BBQ and meat seasoning blends

What Makes Johnny Retro Montreal Steak Spice Different?

Johnny Retro Montreal Steak Spice brings one of Canada’s most recognisable seasoning traditions to Australian kitchens and BBQs.

Its coarse texture, bold pepper and savoury spice profile are designed to create flavour on the surface of meat—not disappear into it.

It is versatile enough for steak, burgers, lamb, pork, vegetables and pickling, and is made without artificial fillers, preservatives or unnecessary additives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Montreal Steak Spice the same as Montreal Steak Seasoning?

Yes. The names Montreal Steak Spice and Montreal Steak Seasoning generally describe the same style of coarse, peppery seasoning used on steak and grilled meats.

Where did Montreal Steak Spice originate?

It originated in Montreal, Quebec, and is widely associated with Schwartz’s Deli. The accepted story credits broilerman Morris “The Shadow” Sherman with applying smoked-meat pickling spices to steaks during the 1940s and 1950s.

What does Montreal Steak Spice taste like?

It has a bold, savoury and peppery flavour with garlic and aromatic spices. Its coarse texture creates concentrated flavour and a seasoned crust.

Is Montreal Steak Spice only for steak?

No. It also works well on burgers, lamb, pork, mushrooms, potatoes, vegetables and in selected pickling recipes.

Should I oil steak before applying the seasoning?

A very light coating of oil can help the coarse seasoning adhere evenly. Avoid adding excessive oil, which may prevent the meat from searing properly.

How much Montreal Steak Spice should I use?

Apply an even coating over the surface of the meat. Begin moderately, especially on thinner cuts, then adjust according to taste.

Should I season both sides of the steak?

Yes. Seasoning both sides helps create balanced flavour and a crust across the entire steak.

Can I use Montreal Steak Spice on burgers?

Yes. Season the burger while it cooks, flipping and seasoning the other side to build a rich, peppered crust.

Can I use it on lamb or pork?

Yes. It works particularly well on lamb cutlets, lamb steaks, pork chops and pork tenderloin.

Can I use it on vegetables?

Yes. Use it on mushrooms, potatoes, cauliflower, zucchini, capsicum and other roasted or grilled vegetables.

Can Montreal Steak Spice be used for pickling?

Yes. Add a small amount to pickling liquid for onions, cucumbers and other vegetables. Remember to account for the salt already present in the blend.

Can I crush the seasoning?

Yes. Its coarse texture is ideal for steak, but it can be lightly crushed when seasoning smaller cuts, vegetables or dishes that need a finer blend.

Does Johnny Retro Montreal Steak Spice contain artificial fillers or preservatives?

No. It is made without artificial fillers, preservatives or unnecessary additives. Always review the product label for the complete ingredient and allergen information.

Is Johnny Retro Montreal Steak Spice Australian made?

Yes. Johnny Retro Montreal Steak Spice is proudly made in Melbourne, Australia.

Product Information

• Product: Johnny Retro Montreal Steak Spice
• Also known as: Montreal Steak Seasoning
• Product type: Coarse steak seasoning and dry spice rub
• Flavour: Bold, savoury, peppery and aromatic
• Best with: Steak, beef burgers, lamb and pork
• Also great with: Mushrooms, potatoes, vegetables and pickling recipes
• Cooking methods: BBQ, grilling, pan cooking, roasting and reverse searing
• Uses: Dry rub, cooking seasoning and finishing spice
• Made without: Artificial fillers, preservatives and unnecessary additives
• Made in: Melbourne, Australia

Bold seasoning. Coarse texture. Made for a better steak.