Macadamia and Wattleseed-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy lamb chops crusted with ground macadamia nuts and wattleseed, served alongside a refreshing mint-infused yogurt sauce. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes pairs chops (about 3/4 inch thick) lamb chops, macadamia nuts, finely chopped, ground wattleseed for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts, 1 tbsp ground wattleseed, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Brush 8 lamb chops (3/4 inch thick) on both sides with 3 tbsp olive oil, then press each chop into the nut and wattleseed mixture to form a crust.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb chops for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the chops for 6-8 minutes for medium-rare doneness.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, stir together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
  6. Step 6: Remove lamb from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve chops with a dollop of mint yogurt sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Macadamia and Wattleseed-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Macadamia and Wattleseed-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground wattleseed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Macadamia and Wattleseed-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Macadamia and Wattleseed-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Macadamia and Wattleseed-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt?

Australian lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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