1/4 cup (Diamond Crystal) kosher salt (if using Morton's kosher salt, use only 3 tablespoons)
1/4 cup sugar
4 cups water
1 cup ice
For the bacon-wrapped shrimp:
1 pound (12 to 20 count), raw, peeled and deveined shrimp (tail on)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Zest from 1 lime
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder or chili powder (less or more to taste)
6 to 10 strips thin bacon, cut in half (half as many pieces of bacon as there are shrimp)
Special equipment:
Skewers (for grilling) or toothpicks (for oven)
Brine the shrimp (optional, but recommended): Whisk the salt, sugar, and water until the salt and sugar dissolve. Add the ice and the shrimp, and let sit for 30 minutes (no longer). Remove the shrimp from the brine. Prepare grill or preheat oven: Prepare grill on high, direct heat (if grilling) or preheat the oven to 400°F. If grilling and using thin bamboo or wood skewers, soak them in water first for 30 minutes. Season the shrimp: Mix together in a small bowl the lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, and chipotle powder. Stir the shrimp into the lime chipotle mixture; make sure each piece is well coated. Partially cook the bacon: Spread the bacon pieces out over several layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with another layer of paper towel. Microwave on high until the bacon fat begins to melt but the bacon is still somewhat pliable, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Wrap the shrimp with bacon: Working one at a time, wrap a half piece of partially cooked bacon around each piece of shrimp. Prep the shrimp for cooking: If you are grilling, thread the shrimp onto skewers. If you are using the oven, secure each the bacon onto the shrimp with toothpicks. Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp on a foil-lined baking pan. Brush remaining lime chipotle mixture on the outside of the bacon-wrapped shrimp. Grill or bake the shrimp: Grill uncovered for 3 minutes on each side (less or more time depending on the heat of your grill), or bake in the 400°F oven for 8 to 11 minutes, or until the bacon is lightly browned and the shrimp is cooked through.