Macadamia-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint and Davidson’s Plum Sauce
Juicy lamb chops coated in a crunchy macadamia crust served with a tangy Davidson’s plum and mint sauce. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes blends chops (about 1.5 lbs) lamb rib chops, macadamia nuts finely chopped, fresh mint leaves chopped into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 430 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 rib chops
- 1 cup macadamia nuts finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves chopped
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup Davidson’s plum jam
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Season 8 lamb rib chops (about 1.5 lbs) with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Press each chop into 1 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts mixed with 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, coating both sides evenly.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear lamb chops for 2 minutes per side until the crust is golden.
- Step 4: Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 6-8 minutes for medium-rare or longer to desired doneness.
- Step 5: While the lamb cooks, combine 1/3 cup Davidson’s plum jam, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 2 tbsp water in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring until smooth and warmed through.
- Step 6: Remove lamb from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with the Davidson’s plum and mint sauce drizzled over the top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Macadamia-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint and Davidson’s Plum Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Macadamia-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint and Davidson’s Plum Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Macadamia-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint and Davidson’s Plum Sauce?
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 Mint and Davidson’s Plum Sauce 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 Mint and Davidson’s Plum Sauce?
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.