Espresso Recipe
Make Espresso Recipe in just 12m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Coffee and water
Equipment (included as ingredients to ensure steps cover them)
Method
Coffee and water
- 1
Fill water reservoir
Fill the espresso machine's reservoir with filtered water (about 500 ml or as needed). Ensure water is fresh and free of odors.
- 2
Preheat machine and cup
Turn the machine on and allow it to heat up fully (usually 10–20 minutes). Run a short blank shot (no coffee) to flush the group head and heat the portafilter. Place the espresso cup under the group head to warm it.
Grinding, dosing and tamping
- 3
Weigh and grind beans
Weigh 18 g of freshly roasted espresso beans. Grind immediately to a fine espresso grind (slightly finer than table salt) into the portafilter basket. Aim for a grind that will yield 36 ml (double) in about 25–30 seconds extraction time.
- 4
Distribute and level
Evenly distribute the ground coffee in the portafilter to avoid channeling. Use a distribution tool or tap the side of the portafilter and level with your finger to create a flat surface.
- 5
Tamp
Using a tamper, press down firmly and evenly to create a smooth, level puck. Apply about 20–30 lb (9–14 kg) of pressure. Polish with a slight twist to finish. Wipe any grounds from the portafilter rim.
Extraction
- 6
Lock in and start extraction
Insert and lock the portafilter into the group head. Start the shot and simultaneously start the timer. Aim to extract 36 ml of espresso in 25–30 seconds. If using a double basket and double spout, split into one cup or two as desired.
- 7
Observe and adjust
Watch the stream: it should start as a thin steady stream, resembling warm honey. If extraction is too fast (<20 s), adjust grind finer. If too slow (>35 s) or flows hesitantly, grind coarser or reduce dose/tamping pressure next time.
- 8
Serve
Once extraction reaches 36 ml or desired weight, stop the shot. Wipe the group head and knock out the puck. Serve the espresso immediately in a warmed cup for best crema and aroma.
Cleanup
- 9
Purge a short burst of water through the group head to clear grounds. Rinse the portafilter and flush steam wand if used. Empty the puck and clean the basket. Regularly backflush and descale the machine per manufacturer's instructions.