Espresso Recipe
Make Espresso Recipe in just 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Coffee
Equipment (optional items counted as ingredients for prep)
Method
Preparation
- 1
Warm equipment
Turn on the espresso machine and allow it to reach operating temperature (typically 10–20 minutes). Place the portafilter in the group and run a short blank shot (hot water through the group) to preheat the portafilter and cup. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
- 2
Weigh and grind
Weigh 18 g of whole espresso beans on a scale. Grind to a fine espresso setting — the grind should feel like table salt but slightly finer, adjusted for your machine. Aim for a grind that will yield 36 ml in about 25–30 seconds.
- 3
Dose and distribute
Place the portafilter on the scale, tare to zero, and dose the 18 g of ground coffee into the portafilter basket. Use your finger or a distribution tool to level the grounds evenly across the basket to prevent channeling.
- 4
- 5
Clean the rim
Brush or wipe any stray grounds from the portafilter rim and group gasket to ensure a good seal when locking in the portafilter.
Extraction
- 6
Lock and start shot
Lock the portafilter into the machine group head. Place the prewarmed espresso cup under the spouts. Start the shot immediately to avoid heat loss.
- 7
Monitor extraction
Time the extraction from the moment you start the pump. Aim for a 25–30 second extraction to produce approximately 36 ml of espresso (a 1:2 brew ratio by weight: 18 g in -> 36 g out, where ml approximates grams). Watch for a steady, honey-like flow that begins as a dark syrup and lightens to a chestnut color with a thin crema on top.
- 8
Stop and serve
Stop the shot once you reach ~36 ml (or at 25–30 seconds). Wipe the group and purge briefly (a quick burst of water) to clear residual grounds and stabilize temperature. Serve the espresso immediately in the warmed cup to preserve crema and aroma.
Clean-up
- 9
Knock out the used puck into a knock box, rinse and dry the portafilter, and backflush the group according to your machine's maintenance schedule. Wipe steam wand and clean grinder doser if used.