Macadamia-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint-Pepperberry Chutney

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

Juicy lamb chops encrusted with crushed macadamia nuts, served alongside a fresh mint and native pepperberry chutney for a vibrant finish. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes blends salt, black pepper, macadamia nuts, finely 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 450 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 8 lamb loin chops with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Press each chop into 1 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts to form a nut crust, ensuring even coverage.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  4. Step 4: Add the lamb chops and sear for 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust time to desired doneness. Remove chops and let rest.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare the chutney by combining 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 tsp ground Tasmanian pepperberry, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl.
  6. Step 6: Stir the chutney ingredients well and let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Step 7: Serve the macadamia-crusted lamb chops hot with a spoonful of mint-pepperberry chutney on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Macadamia-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint-Pepperberry Chutney take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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-Pepperberry Chutney?

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-Pepperberry Chutney?

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-Pepperberry Chutney 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-Pepperberry Chutney?

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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