French Press Recipe
Make French Press Recipe in just 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Coffee
Water
Optional additions
Method
Preparation
Measure and grind
If using whole beans, measure 0.5 cups (about 40–45 g) of beans and grind to a coarse, even size similar to sea salt. If using pre-ground coffee, measure 0.5 cups of coarsely ground coffee.
Heat water
Bring 900 ml of fresh filtered water to a boil, then remove from heat and let rest 30 seconds to reach about 93°C (200°F).
Preheat French press (optional)
Pour ~100 ml of the hot water into the empty French press, swirl to warm the glass or steel, then discard the rinse water. This helps maintain brew temperature.
Brewing
Add coffee to press
Place the coarsely ground coffee into the bottom of the French press.
Bloom
Pour just enough hot water (about 120 ml) to saturate the grounds evenly. Gently stir with a spoon or paddle to ensure all grounds are wet. Let sit 30–45 seconds to allow CO2 to release (bloom).
Add remaining water
Pour the remaining hot water (about 780 ml) evenly over the grounds, filling the press to the desired level. Give one gentle stir to break the crust and ensure even extraction.
Steep
Place the plunger assembly on top but do not plunge; let the coffee steep for 3:30 to 4 minutes total from the moment you first added water. For a stronger brew, extend steep time up to 4:30 minutes; for a lighter brew shorten to 3 minutes.
Plunge
After the chosen steep time, press the plunger down slowly and steadily, applying even pressure until the filter reaches the bottom. This should take about 15–20 seconds. If resistance feels too high, pull back slightly and continue; do not force.
Finish and serve
Serve immediately
Pour the brewed coffee into cups or a thermal carafe right away to prevent over-extraction from grounds left in the press.
Clean
Discard spent grounds (they make good compost), rinse the press parts with warm water and mild detergent as needed. Dry before reassembling.