Macadamia-Crusted Lamb Chops with Wattleseed Aioli
Juicy lamb chops coated with chopped macadamia nuts and served alongside a creamy aioli spiced with native wattleseed for a uniquely Australian twist. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes pairs x 3 oz chops lamb loin chops, macadamia nuts, finely chopped, sea salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 8 x 3 oz chops lamb loin chops
- 1 cup macadamia nuts, finely chopped
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground wattleseed
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season 8 lamb loin chops with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 2: Place 1 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts on a plate. Brush both sides of each chop with 2 tbsp olive oil, then press each chop into the macadamia nuts to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sear the lamb chops for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 4: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the chops for 6-8 minutes for medium-rare, or longer as preferred.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp ground wattleseed. Mix well to create the aioli.
- Step 6: Remove lamb chops from the oven and rest for 5 minutes. Serve with wattleseed aioli on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Macadamia-Crusted Lamb Chops with Wattleseed Aioli 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 Wattleseed Aioli?
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 x 3 oz chops lamb loin chops from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Macadamia-Crusted Lamb Chops with Wattleseed Aioli?
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 Wattleseed Aioli 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 Wattleseed Aioli?
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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