Choice Of Regular Or Decaf Espresso Recipe
Make Choice Of Regular Or Decaf Espresso Recipe in just 7m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Espresso (per shot)
Equipment & finishing
Method
Espresso (per shot)
- 1
Choose bean type
Decide whether you want a regular (caffeinated) espresso or a decaf shot. Use 18 g of the selected whole beans for a double shot. If you prefer a single shot, use 9 g and adjust yield/time accordingly.
- 2
Grind
Weigh 18 g of the chosen beans on the scale, then grind to a fine, slightly gritty texture suitable for espresso (similar to table salt). Adjust grind if extraction is too fast (<18s) or too slow (>30s).
- 3
Prepare portafilter
Purge a short burst of hot water through the grouphead to stabilize temperature. Wipe the portafilter dry and place the ground coffee in the basket, distributing evenly.
- 4
Tamp
Using the tamper, apply firm, even pressure (about 30 lbs/13.6 kg of force) to compress the grounds into a flat, level puck. Clean any grounds from the rim of the portafilter.
- 5
Brew
Lock the portafilter into the grouphead. Place the shot glass or demitasse under the spout. Start the timer and brew using the machine at standard espresso pressure (~9 bar). Aim for a 36–40 ml yield for a double shot in 25–30 seconds. For a single shot target ~18–20 ml in 25–30 seconds. If extraction is too fast/slow, adjust grind or dose.
- 6
Evaluate and serve
Assess the shot for color and crema — a good shot has a rich chestnut crema and balanced taste. Serve immediately in a warmed cup. Wipe and flush the grouphead and knock out the spent puck into the knockbox.
Equipment & finishing
- 7
Cleaning & temperature stability: Keep the grouphead and portafilter clean between shots. Backflush the machine as recommended by the manufacturer. Refill the reservoir with filtered water as needed to ensure consistent taste.
- 8
Scaling to multiple servings: For each additional double shot, repeat the espresso section steps. For blended regular/decaf orders (macchiato or split shots), dose and grind each bean type separately and combine in the portafilter to reach the desired total weight (for example 9 g regular + 9 g decaf for an 18 g blend).
- 9
Troubleshooting: If the shot tastes sour, the extraction is likely under-extracted — try finer grind or longer brew time. If bitter, it may be over-extracted — coarsen grind or shorten time. If watery, increase dose or reduce yield.