Coffee Recipe
Make Coffee Recipe in just 12m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Coffee Base
Optional Add-ins
Method
Coffee Base
Measure and grind
Weigh 30 g (0.03 kg) of whole coffee beans. Grind to a medium-coarse grind (similar to coarse sand) if using a pour-over or French press; grind finer (espresso-fine) only if using an espresso machine. Aim for a consistent grind for even extraction.
Heat water
Heat 475 ml of filtered water to 92–96°C (197–205°F). If you don't have a thermometer, bring to a boil and let sit 30 seconds before brewing.
Bloom (pour-over or French press)
Place ground coffee in your brewer (chemex/pour-over cone, French press, or drip basket). Pour just enough hot water (about 60 ml) to saturate the grounds and let bloom for 30–45 seconds to release trapped CO2. If using an espresso machine, skip bloom and proceed with machine brewing.
Brew
Continue pouring the remaining hot water evenly over the grounds in slow circular motions for pour-over until you reach 475 ml total. For French press, pour all water, stir gently, place the lid with plunger up and steep 4 minutes, then press down slowly. For drip machine, start the cycle and let it finish. For espresso, pull a double shot (~60 ml) using an appropriate dose (this recipe's bean mass is best for pour-over/drip; adjust grind and dose if using espresso).
Serve black (optional)
Once brewing is complete, transfer coffee to a pre-warmed cup or carafe to avoid over-extraction from sitting on a hot plate.
Optional Add-ins
Heat and froth milk (if using)
If you want milk: heat 60 ml milk to 60–65°C (140–150°F). Froth by using a steam wand, handheld frother, or by shaking heated milk vigorously in a sealed jar for 30–60 seconds until foamy. Gently spoon foam onto the brewed coffee.
Sweeten and flavor
Stir in 1 tsp sugar (or preferred sweetener) to taste while coffee is hot so it dissolves. Add 1/4 tsp vanilla extract and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon if desired, and stir to combine.
Add cream (optional)
For a richer cup, add 15 ml heavy cream and stir. Adjust to taste.
Final tasting and adjust
Taste the coffee and adjust sweetness, milk, or cream as needed. Serve immediately.