The historic duck label sauce in the colorful can has deep roots in Los Angeles, and still supplies some of America’s biggest restaurants
Love that you carry this. An excellent sauce for enchiladas, tacos, chips, meats and fish dishes. Walker Foods Inc.
Here’s what is known: The first whiff of Walker Foods began across the river on Santa Fe, with the elder Walker purchasing the current address on Mission Road in the 1920s. It was here that the do-it-all El Pato sauce became an anchor for the family as the company pushed further into the Mexican food market. This is where the young Robert Walker, now a spry 78, essentially grew up. “Salsa flows in my veins,” he says. “The lifeblood of this company is the yellow can.”
The historic duck label sauce in the colorful can has deep roots in Los Angeles, and still supplies some of America’s biggest restaurants
He’s not alone. A Vice story from two years ago called El Pato a “pantry staple of Hispanic households,” the kind of “secret ingredient” known to generations of families serving enchiladas, tamales, and so much more. The hot sauce in the yellow can, with its tomato base and cascabel chile heat, accounts for roughly half of the company’s millions in annual sales, followed by the green and red cans, then on to the other pantry staples, sold on store shelves or wholesale to distributors and restaurant clients. Walker Foods is the primary servicer of white vinegar for all McDonald’s locations west of the Mississippi and across the Pacific Rim. The mustard for those mustard-grilled burgers from In-N-Out? That’s Walker Foods, too, and has been since the chain’s first day in business back in 1948.
He uses similar all-encompassing language when speaking about his union-run staff of 70 or so. “These people have all held me up,” says Walker on becoming CEO of the family-owned company in 1999, after his uncle suffered a heart attack on the plant floor. During the pandemic, the company put anyone over 60 years old on paid home leave; brought in increased protection measures, like plastic barriers between workstations; and instituted contact-tracing protocols for anyone who steps onto the property. “We’ve got people down here who have never left,” says Walker proudly. “They’ve given their lives to this company.”
Despite the seeming brand ubiquity, this is no conglomerate sauce. This is El Pato, the 115-year-old, family-run, native-to-LA company that is still pumping out salsas, vinegars, mustards, peppers, and pickled items from a facility on the banks of the LA River — even (and especially) during the pandemic. “Salsa flows in my veins.”
The History Behind El Pato Hot Sauce
FAQ
What is El Pato hot tomato sauce used for?
How do you use El Pato jalapeno sauce?
Why is it called El Pato sauce?
Is El Pato sauce discontinued?
What is El Pato sauce?
El Pato sauce is a type of Mexican hot sauce that is known for its spicy and tangy flavor. It is typically made with a blend of tomatoes, chili peppers, vinegar, and other spices. The sauce is often used as a condiment or as a flavor enhancer in dishes such as tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
How do you make El Pato sauce?
This homemade El Pato sauce recipe is a fiery blend of tomatoes, jalapenos, garlic, and onion, simmered with earthy spices and a hint of tangy apple cider vinegar. It’s versatile, adds a spicy kick, and infuses any dish with robust, savory flavors. Start by heating the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
What are the benefits of El Pato sauce?
One of the main benefits of using El Pato sauce is its ability to add depth and complexity to dishes. The spicy and tangy flavors of the sauce can elevate the taste of a meal and create a more dynamic flavor profile. Additionally, El Pato sauce has been known to have health benefits, such as aiding in digestion and boosting metabolism.
Does El Pato sauce add flavor?
Adding a spoonful or two of El Pato sauce to your soups or stews can significantly enhance their flavor. It adds a hint of spice and tang that can balance out the richness of these dishes. Whether you’re making fish, beef, chicken, or veggie tacos, a drizzle of El Pato sauce can add a delightful kick.