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
Optional (for serving)
Method
Equipment and preparation
Warm and prep
Warm the espresso cup(s) by rinsing with hot water or placing them under the machine's cup warmer. Fill the espresso machine reservoir with fresh water if needed. Turn the machine on and allow it to fully heat (usually 15–30 minutes for home machines) so stable brew temperature and pressure are reached.
Purge the group head by running a short burst of water to stabilize temperature and remove residues. Also run hot water through the portafilter to preheat it.
Dose, grind and tamp
Weigh and grind
Weigh 18 g of freshly roasted coffee beans. Grind to a fine espresso setting — the grind should be fine but not powdery, resembling table salt. Grind directly into the portafilter basket to minimize loss and preserve aroma.
Distribute and tamp
Level the coffee in the portafilter by lightly tapping or using a distribution tool so the surface is even. Tamp with 30 lb (approx. 13.6 kg) of pressure using a flat tamper until you feel resistance and the puck is level and compact. Wipe any grounds from the portafilter rim to ensure a good seal.
Brew
Lock and brew
Lock the portafilter into the group head. Start extraction immediately. Target a 1:2 brew ratio: 18 g in to 36 ml out. Aim for an extraction time of 25–30 seconds for 36 ml of liquid. Watch the flow: it should begin as a thin stream, change to a honey-like consistency and finish with a slightly blond color. Stop the shot at approximately 36 ml or when the flow lightens and thins.
If the shot pours too quickly (<20 s), adjust to a finer grind or increase dose slightly. If it pours too slowly (>35 s) or not at all, adjust to a coarser grind or reduce dose slightly. Record adjustments for consistency.
Finish and serve
Swirl the cup gently to integrate crema and liquid. Serve immediately — espresso is best enjoyed within 30 seconds to a minute of extraction to experience full aroma, crema texture, and temperature.
Clean the portafilter by knocking out the spent puck, rinsing the basket and wiping the group head. Backflush the machine per manufacturer's schedule.