Espresso Recipe
Make Espresso Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Base
Equipment (not consumed)
Method
Base
Preheat and set up
Turn the espresso machine on and allow it to fully heat (20–30 minutes for most machines). Place the portafilter in the group head to heat it, or run a blank shot to warm the group. Warm the cup by filling with hot water and discard immediately before brewing.
Weigh and grind
Weigh 18 g of freshly roasted espresso beans. Set the burr grinder to a fine setting suitable for espresso. Grind the 18 g directly into the portafilter basket (or into a dosing cup) so you have the full dose ready.
Distribute and tamp
Evenly distribute the ground coffee in the portafilter to avoid channeling (use finger distribution, a distribution tool, or tap the portafilter). Level the bed and tamp firmly and evenly with about 15–20 kg of pressure to create a flat, even puck. Polish the tamp slightly (a gentle twist) and wipe any grounds from the rim.
Brew
Lock the portafilter into the group head. Start the shot and start your timer simultaneously. Aim for a 1:2 brew ratio by weight: 18 g ground -> approximately 36 ml (or g) of liquid espresso in the cup. Typical extraction time target is 25–30 seconds from first pump to stop. If the shot pours very fast (<20 s) make the grind finer; if very slow (>35 s) make the grind coarser.
Assess and adjust
Observe shot color and flow: a good shot begins with dark syrupy flow, transitions to chestnut brown, and ends with lighter blonding. If under-extracted (sour, fast shot, pale taste) adjust grind finer or increase dose slightly. If over-extracted (bitter, slow shot, dark taste) adjust grind coarser or reduce dose.
Serve
Stop the shot when you reach about 36 ml (or when cup has desired volume). Wipe the group head, knock out used puck, rinse and dry the portafilter. Serve the espresso immediately in the warmed cup to preserve crema and optimal aroma and temperature.
Equipment care
Backflush the machine according to manufacturer instructions daily or as required. Clean grinder hopper and burrs regularly and replace water filter as recommended to maintain consistent taste.