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/Preparation
Method
Equipment/Preparation
- 1
Warm and prep equipment
Turn the espresso machine on and allow it to fully heat (20–30 minutes recommended). Run a short blank shot (flush) through the grouphead to stabilize temperature. Preheat your demitasse cup by filling it with hot water or placing it on the cup warmer.
- 2
Set up grinder and portafilter
Insert a clean dry double basket into the portafilter. Ensure the grinder is clean and set to an espresso grind size (very fine). Place the portafilter on the scale if possible to measure dose.
Coffee
- 3
Dose and grind
Weigh out 18 g of whole coffee beans. Grind them directly into the portafilter basket using a fine espresso grind. Total target dose in basket: 18 g. Adjust grind as needed: fines will slow extraction, coarse will speed it up.
- 4
Distribute and tamp
Evenly distribute the ground coffee in the basket by gently tapping the side of the portafilter and/or using a distribution tool or fingertip to level the puck. Use a tamper to apply firm, level pressure (approximately 15–30 lbs / 7–13 kg) until the surface is even and smooth. Wipe any loose grounds from the rim of the portafilter.
- 5
Brew
Lock the portafilter into the grouphead. Start the shot and simultaneously start the timer and place the preheated demitasse under the spouts. Aim for a 1:2 brew ratio: with an 18 g dose, target about 36 ml (or g) of liquid espresso. Target extraction time: 25–30 seconds. Expect an initial thin blond stream that thickens to a chocolate-colored crema; stop the shot when you reach ~36 ml or at 25–30 seconds depending on flow and taste.
- 6
Taste and adjust
Smell and taste the espresso immediately. If the shot is overly sour and fast, lower the grind (finer) or increase dose slightly. If it is overly bitter and slow, coarsen the grind or reduce dose slightly. Make incremental adjustments (0.2–0.5 g or one grind step) and repeat.
- 7
Serve
Wipe the portafilter and purge the grouphead briefly to clear residues. Serve the espresso immediately in the warmed demitasse. Enjoy as a straight espresso or use as the base for milk drinks.