Macadamia Nut-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint Yoghurt

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

Juicy lamb chops crusted with toasted macadamia nuts, paired with a refreshing mint and yoghurt sauce. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 35 minutes pairs 4 oz each lamb loin chops, chopped macadamia nuts, panko breadcrumbs 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. 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: 20 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant; remove and let cool.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine toasted macadamia nuts with 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Brush 8 lamb loin chops (4 oz each) with 2 tbsp olive oil and press each chop firmly into the nut mixture to coat both sides.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the coated lamb chops for 2 minutes per side until golden.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the lamb chops for 8-10 minutes to desired doneness; remove and rest for 5 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, mix 1 cup plain Greek yoghurt with 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl; season to taste.
  7. Step 7: Serve the lamb chops with a generous dollop of mint yoghurt sauce alongside.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Macadamia Nut-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint Yoghurt take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Nut-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint Yoghurt?

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 4 oz each lamb loin chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Macadamia Nut-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint Yoghurt?

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 Nut-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint Yoghurt 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 Nut-Crusted Lamb Chops with Mint Yoghurt?

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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