Macadamia-Crusted Lamb Chops with Davidson’s Plum Glaze
Juicy lamb chops crusted with crunchy macadamia nuts and finished with a tangy glaze made from native Davidson’s plum. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes pairs chops (about 1.5 lbs) lamb loin chops, finely chopped macadamia nuts, fresh thyme leaves 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.
Ingredients
- 8 chops (about 1.5 lbs) lamb loin chops
- 1 cup, finely chopped macadamia nuts
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup Davidson's plum jam
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Season 8 lamb loin chops evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Press 1 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts mixed with 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves onto both sides of each chop to form a crust.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear lamb chops for 2 minutes per side until golden and nut crust is fragrant.
- Step 3: Transfer skillet to oven and roast chops for 6-8 minutes for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine 1/3 cup Davidson's plum jam and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally until glaze is warm and pourable.
- Step 5: Remove lamb from oven and rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle Davidson’s plum glaze over chops before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Macadamia-Crusted Lamb Chops with Davidson’s Plum Glaze 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-Crusted Lamb Chops with Davidson’s Plum Glaze?
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 finely chopped macadamia nuts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Macadamia-Crusted Lamb Chops with Davidson’s Plum Glaze?
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-Crusted Lamb Chops with Davidson’s Plum Glaze 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-Crusted Lamb Chops with Davidson’s Plum Glaze?
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.