Allow about 24 hours in the refrigerator for every 5 pounds, so most roasts need a day or more. Sealed in cold water, a 3- to 4-pound roast takes about 2 to 3 hours with the water changed every 30 minutes; then cook immediately.
- In the fridge
- About 24 hours per 5 lb, so a…Safest; plan ahead
- Cold water
- About 2-3 hours for a 3-4 lb…Change water every 30 min
- Microwave
- YesCook right away
- Cook from frozen
- YesAbout 50% longer
Thawing times from USDA FSIS. Checked .
How to thaw a roast: every safe method
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | About 24 hours per 5 lb, so a 3-5 lb roast needs about a day; larger roasts longer | Use within 3-5 days after thawing |
| Cold water | About 2-3 hours for a 3-4 lb package; larger cuts take longer | Seal in a leak-proof bag, submerge in cold tap water, change the water every 30 minutes, and cook immediately. |
| Microwave | OK | Only if it fits and thaws evenly; follow the oven manual and cook immediately. |
| Cook from frozen | OK | Safe to cook from frozen; it takes about 50% longer than thawed or fresh (FSIS). |
After it's thawed
Fridge-thawed: use within 3-5 days after thawing. Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking (some quality loss); food thawed in cold water or the microwave must be cooked before refreezing, and anything left out over 2 hours should not be refrozen.
Never thaw it this way
- On the counter / at room temperature: The outer layer warms into the 40-140°F (4-60°C) danger zone, where bacteria multiply rapidly, while the center is still frozen.
- In hot water: Same problem: the surface sits in the danger zone. FSIS's cold-water method uses cold tap water changed every 30 minutes.
Questions people ask
How long does a thawed roast keep in the fridge?
Refrigerator-thawed beef or pork roasts keep 3 to 5 days before cooking.
Can I cook a roast from frozen?
Yes. FSIS says cooking from frozen is safe; allow about 50% more time.
How long to defrost pork shoulder?
Allow about 24 hours in the refrigerator for every 5 pounds, so most roasts need a day or more. Sealed in cold water, a 3- to 4-pound roast takes about 2 to 3 hours with the water changed every 30 minutes; then cook immediately.
How long to thaw a roast?
Allow about 24 hours in the refrigerator for every 5 pounds, so most roasts need a day or more. Sealed in cold water, a 3- to 4-pound roast takes about 2 to 3 hours with the water changed every 30 minutes; then cook immediately.