Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
Soaking in water is a personal taste choice , I like to get some of the salt out so I soak overnight . I smoke fat side down on the grate for 1 hour then put it in a pan with the seasonings for the remainder of the smoke .
You can use the pickling spice as a rub. I would grind it first though. Another option would be traditional pastrami rub. Coriander, juniper berries, salt, cracked black pepper, garlic, bit of sugar.
For store bought corned beef I like to soak. It's too salty for our tastes as is.
Following this thread!! I just picked up nearly a 5 pounder to try for the first time this weekend and was also curious about rub suggestions and cooking method.