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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Espresso Beverage
Equipment
Method
Espresso Beverage
Preheat and prepare
Turn the espresso machine on and allow it to reach brewing temperature (usually 15–30 minutes depending on machine). Place the portafilter in the group and run a short burst of water to flush and stabilize the temperature. Warm the shot glass or demitasse cup by pouring hot water into it, then discard the water.
Dose and distribute
Weigh out 18 g of freshly roasted, finely ground espresso coffee into the dry, clean portafilter basket. Level the grounds by gently tapping the side of the portafilter or using a distribution tool to eliminate large voids.
Tamp
Using a flat tamper, apply firm, even pressure (about 30 lbs / 13.6 kg of force) to compress the grounds into a uniform puck. Polish the tamp with a slight twist to create a smooth surface. Wipe any loose grounds from the portafilter rim.
Brew
Lock the portafilter into the machine's group head. Start the shot and simultaneously start a timer. Aim for an extraction yield of about 36 ml in 25–30 seconds. Watch the first few seconds for a steady stream that resembles warm honey; if it pours too fast, adjust grind finer next time; too slow, grind coarser.
Serve
Stop the shot when you reach approximately 36 ml or at 25–30 seconds. Wipe the group head and purge a short burst of water. Serve the espresso immediately in the warmed cup. Stir gently if adding the optional 1 tsp of sugar to dissolve. Enjoy promptly for best flavor and crema.
Clean up
Knock out the spent puck into the knock box, rinse the portafilter, and wipe down the group head and steam wand (if used). Backflush the machine per manufacturer instructions at the end of service.
Equipment
Ensure the tamper fits your portafilter basket and that your scale is zeroed before dosing. Use the shot glass to measure output volume if your machine lacks a built-in volumetric timer. Keep a knock box nearby to remove spent grounds quickly between shots.