SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cold-water-thaw-change-30-min

You're thawing a sealed pack of frozen meat in cold water. How often should you change the water?

Every 30 minutes.

Start playing free

The Just Right card

Too littleFill the bowl once and walk away
Too muchRun hot tap water over it to hurry
Just rightCold tap water, changed every 30 minutes

Huh, didn't know that: Once food is thawed in cold water, cook or use it immediately.

The dad joke
What do you call a frozen dog? A pupsicle.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Every 30 minutes. The frozen meat chills the water, but the water slowly warms up. Fresh cold water every 30 minutes keeps it thawing safely. Cook it as soon as it's thawed.

  1. University of Minnesota Extension: Preserving Food at Home, Freezing extension.umn.edu/food/preparing/cooking-at-home/food-preservation/freezing
    If submerging the food, change the water every 30 minutes to keep the temperature cool.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. University of Minnesota Extension: Preserving Food at Home, Freezing (after thawing) extension.umn.edu/food/preparing/cooking-at-home/food-preservation/freezing
    Once thawed, cook or use the food immediately to prevent pathogen growth.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Kitchen & FoodHow long does a 15-pound frozen turkey need to thaw in the fridge?Kitchen & FoodThanksgiving's over. When do the leftovers go in the fridge?Kitchen & FoodShould you rinse raw chicken in the sink before cooking it?

That's stuff everyone should know.