Single Espresso Recipe
Make Single 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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Espresso
Equipment / optional
Method
Espresso
- 1
Preheat and prepare
Turn the espresso machine on and allow it to fully heat (usually 15–30 minutes). Place the empty espresso cup under the group head to warm it. Purge a small amount of filtered water (about 20 ml) through the group head to stabilize temperature and remove old water.
- 2
Weigh and grind
Weigh 8 g of freshly roasted whole coffee beans. Grind the beans on a fine espresso setting so the ground coffee has a texture similar to table salt but slightly finer — adjust for your machine and beans. Aim for a grind that yields the target extraction time below.
- 3
Dose and distribute
Place the single-dose portafilter basket on the scale and add the 8 g of ground coffee. Level the grounds by gently tapping or using a distribution tool so you have an even bed. Wipe any grounds from the rim of the portafilter.
- 4
Tamp
Use the tamper to compress the coffee evenly with steady downward pressure (about 15–20 kg of force). Ensure the puck is level and the edges are clean for an even extraction.
- 5
Brew (preinfusion and extraction)
Lock the portafilter into the group head. Start the shot timer and begin extraction. If your machine allows, preinfuse or pulse water at low pressure for 3–5 seconds with about 10–20 ml of water to saturate the puck. Then, apply full pump pressure and continue to extract until you have 30 ml of espresso in the cup (this typically takes 20–30 seconds total from the start of flow, adjust if needed). Watch the flow — it should be a steady, syrupy stream that looks like warm honey and forms a crema layer on top.
- 6
Finish and serve
Stop the extraction when you reach approximately 30 ml. Wipe the group head and knock out the spent puck. Swirl the espresso cup gently once to integrate crema, then serve immediately. Enjoy it as a straight single espresso — drink within 1–2 minutes for best aroma and temperature.
Equipment / optional
- 7
Use the scale, timer, and grinder to dial in and repeatable results. Preheating the cup and purging the group head improve temperature stability. Clean and maintain equipment after use.