Crispy Pubstyle Calamari Golden Rings of Delight

Crispy Fried Calamari My Golden PubStyle Rings Recipe

By Laura TideSeptember 26, 2025Updated: September 25, 2025

Table of Contents

Craving that Pub-Style Calamari Recipe ?

Ever find yourself daydreaming about that perfect Seafood Appetizer from your local pub? Honestly, I do all the time! This Crispy Fried Calamari recipe nails that golden, crispy texture.

Plus, it has a tangy aioli. Let's bring that pub experience home!

What Makes This Calamari So Special?

This Fried Squid Recipe is inspired by traditional British Pub-Style Calamari . It is simple but satisfying. It delivers a delightful crunch.

This Deep Fried Calamari is perfect for a relaxed Friday night. It will take about one hour to make, and yields four servings.

The Secret Ingredient: Buttermilk Calamari

The Buttermilk Calamari soak is key. It tenderizes the squid before frying. This ensures a melt-in-your mouth texture. Did you know squid is high in protein and low in fat? So, you can feel a bit better about indulging in these Fried Foods !

Lemon Garlic Aioli: A Zesty Kick

This isn't just any Calamari Recipe , it features a vibrant Lemon Garlic Aioli . The aioli's tanginess perfectly cuts through the richness of the Crispy Calamari .

The zingy lemon and punchy garlic take it to next level. Honestly, it's a game changer!

Let’s dive into what you need to make this dish!

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make some seriously good Crispy Fried Calamari ! It’s easier than you think, honestly.

Ingredients & Equipment

First things first. Don’t skimp on quality, especially with seafood . Fresh is best, obviously. Frozen works too, just make sure it's properly thawed.

Main Ingredients For Your Calamari Recipe

Here's the lowdown:

Calamari : 1 pound (450g) cleaned tubes and tentacles. Get ones that look plump, not slimy.
Flour: 1 cup (120g) all-purpose.
Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml) . This is key for tenderizing the calamari .
Spices: 1 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder. ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, plus salt and pepper to taste.
Oil: About 4 cups (950ml) vegetable oil. We're deep frying here, so pick something neutral.

I remember the first time I made this. I tried using some dodgy calamari and it was like chewing on rubber bands. Ugh!

Seasoning Notes: Make your Crispy Calamari Awesome

Spice it up. Garlic and onion powder are a must. Smoked paprika adds a nice, subtle smokiness. Salt and pepper? Obvs.

You can throw in a pinch of cayenne if you're feeling brave. Seriously.

For flavor, don't be shy. A little lemon zest in the flour mix is fantastic. Or some dried oregano.

Equipment Needed for Fried Foods

Right, you don't need fancy stuff. A deep fryer is perfect if you have one, but a large, heavy bottomed pot works just fine.

You’ll need a thermometer. Get the oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . If you skip this, your Deep Fried Calamari might be soggy.

A slotted spoon is good for scooping out the Crispy Calamari . Line a plate with paper towels to drain the grease.

Shallow bowls or plates are perfect for dredging. Honestly, that's about it.

Now you're sorted. Time to make some amazing Pub-Style Calamari ! This Seafood Appetizer will be gone in minutes.

Crispy Pub-Style Calamari: A Proper Treat!

Fancy some Crispy Fried Calamari ? Honestly, who doesn't? It's a classic for a reason. This recipe is proper simple, even if it looks a bit cheffy.

We're talking Pub-Style Calamari good enough to impress your mates. Get ready for some golden rings of delight.

Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Mise en Place Sorted

First things first, get organised. This is your essential mise en place. Chop your parsley for that fancy Lemon Garlic Aioli.

Measure out your spices. Have your buttermilk ready. Trust me, it makes all the difference for tender Buttermilk Calamari . Getting everything ready beforehand saves a right mess.

This step is essential in our calamari recipe.

Deep Fried Calamari: Let's Get Frying!

Marinate your sea food in buttermilk for 30 minutes . This makes it super tender.
Mix flour and spices. It is for the dredging mixture.
Heat your oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Oil temperature is important.
Dredge the Fried Squid Recipe . Make sure it's fully coated.
Fry for 2- 3 minutes . Until golden. Don't overcook!
Drain and season with salt. Straight away.
Whip up that Lemon Garlic Aioli. It's a game changer.

Pro Tips for Crispy Calamari Perfection

Want that proper pub-style crisp? Don't overcrowd the fryer! Frying in batches keeps the oil hot. And whatever you do, don't overcook the calamari.

Nobody wants rubbery squid! Seasoning it right after frying makes all the difference. If you are planning on eating this with your family, this Seafood Appetizer could turn your dinner unforgettable.

Oh my gosh, my mouth is already watering! I hope you enjoy this Calamari Recipe as much as my family does.

Remember, have fun, don't stress, and get ready for some seriously delicious Fried Foods !

Recipe Notes: Get the Best Crispy Fried Calamari

Right, so you're about to make some cracking Crispy Calamari . Good on you! Here are a few extra bits of info to help you nail this Calamari Recipe , alright? Honestly, Fried Foods can be a bit tricky, but with these tips, you'll be grand.

Plating and Presentation Ideas for Your Sea Food

Want to make your Deep Fried Calamari look like it came straight from a fancy restaurant? Pile the Crispy Calamari high on a platter.

Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. A little sprinkle of sea salt never hurts either. Pretend you’re on "MasterChef," you know?

For drinks, a crisp white wine or even a pint of proper lager goes down a treat with this Seafood Appetizer . Simple is often best.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

Right, so you've made too much Pub-Style Calamari ? First, let it cool completely. Then, pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge.

It’ll be good for a day or two.

Freezing isn’t ideal; it’ll lose some crispiness. Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes.

Or, if you are lazy like me, just reheat it in the microwave, but be warned, it won't be as crispy as it was before, but it will still taste great.

Recipe Variations: Mixing It Up

Fancy a bit of spice? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your flour mixture for spicy calamari. If you want to avoid the gluten, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of normal flour.

This works great for your Fried Squid Recipe !

You know, you could also bake the Buttermilk Calamari if you want a slightly healthier option. It won't be as amazing as frying, but it's still a good shout.

Nutrition Basics: Quick and Dirty

Look, let's be real, Crispy Fried Calamari isn’t exactly health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right? You're getting some protein from the squid, and a bit of calcium from the buttermilk.

Just remember, it's fried. Enjoy it as a treat, and maybe have a side salad to balance things out.

So there you have it! A few extra bits to make your Crispy Fried Calamari experience even better. Don’t be scared to get stuck in.

Get your pinny on, get frying and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get Crispy Fried Calamari that's actually crispy, and not rubbery like something you'd find at a dodgy seaside chippy?

The key to avoiding rubbery calamari is two-fold: don't overcrowd the pan and don't overcook it! Make sure your oil temperature is at 350°F (175°C) and fry in batches so the oil temperature doesn't drop too much.

Cook for just 2-3 minutes until golden brown any longer and you'll be chewing on it 'til the cows come home.

Can I make Crispy Fried Calamari ahead of time?

Ideally, you want to serve Crispy Fried Calamari immediately for the best texture. However, if you need to prep ahead, you can fry it most of the way (about 1-2 minutes), cool it completely, and then do a second fry for 1-2 minutes just before serving to crisp it up again.

This double fry method helps get them back to that perfect crunch!

What's the best way to store leftover Crispy Fried Calamari? I have more than I can shake a stick at.

Storing fried calamari is a bit tricky, as it tends to lose its crispiness. Place leftovers in a single layer in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy.

Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy, so best to give it a miss!

I'm on a health kick, is there a healthier way to enjoy calamari?

While traditional Crispy Fried Calamari isn't exactly a health food, you can certainly make it healthier! Try baking the calamari instead of frying it. Dredge it in the seasoned flour as usual, then bake on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

You can also try using an air fryer for a similar effect with less oil, and be sure to watch your portion sizes everything in moderation, eh?

Can I use frozen calamari for this Crispy Fried Calamari recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen calamari is a great option and often more readily available. Just be sure to thaw it completely before using, and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the flour adhere better and contribute to a crispier final product.

Nobody wants soggy calamari, not even Trigger!