How long to thaw a steak

In the fridge, allow about 24 hours for every 2.3 kg (5 lb); a 2.5 cm (1 in) steak thaws overnight. In cold water, about 30 minutes per 450 g (1 lb), changing the water every 30 minutes. Never on the counter.

Units:

Weight (kg)

Thickness (cm)

Method

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The numbers at a glance

USDA rules: 24 h per 2.3 kg in the fridge (at least overnight); 30 min per 450 g in cold water.
Weight	Fridge	Cold water
0.3 kg / 0.6 lb	12 h	30 min
0.5 kg / 1.1 lb	12 h	33 min
1 kg / 2.2 lb	12 h	66 min
2 kg / 4.4 lb	24 h	2.2 h
5 kg / 11 lb	53 h	5.5 h

Questions

How long does a steak take to thaw in the fridge?

A 2.5 cm (1 in) steak, overnight (about 12 h); a thick one, a day. Large pieces: about 24 hours for every 2.3 kg (5 lb).

Can I thaw steak in water?

Yes, in cold water, in a sealed bag, changing the water every 30 minutes: about 30 minutes per 450 g (1 lb). Cook it right away.

Can I cook a steak from frozen?

Yes, it is safe; it takes about 50 % longer. Thick steaks work best.

Where the numbers come from

Field data: 279 butchery sheets weighed piece by piece by the Steakpedia Field Kitchen, up to 17 Oct 2026. Download them at Field data (CC BY 4.0).
Times: USDA FSIS, “The Big Thaw”.