Not sure if you all ever got an answer on making pastrami, but here is my take on it...Start with a corned beef, soak for about 30 minutes changing the water every 5 minutes to get rid of some of the salt...Remove as much of the fat as possible...Make a rub using:
1/4 cup ground coriander
1/3 cup ground black pepper
1/3 cup ground juniper berries (optional)
Smoke at 250 till an internal temp of 160...I use a mixture of hickory and misquite...Remove to cool to room temp...Wrap and put in fridge overnight to allow the meat to set up...Next day slice thin and put on good rye bread with whole grain mustard and horseradish and discover the beauty of homemade pastrami!!!
Enjoy
Sam
Original Post