Pat the squid dry with paper towels. Slice into rings and put into a bowl. Sprinkle the salt and pepper on and toss to coat well.
Add about 6 cups of vegetable oil into a pan and heat over medium high heat until it is hot enough to fry. To test drop a tiny piece of squid in and if it begins to immediately sizzle and fry it is ready.
Dip each squid ring into the flour to coat, then into the oil to fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove and place on to paper towels to absorb excess oil.
In a small pan heat on low the butter to melt, add garlic, chili, and scallions. Cook until garlic turns dark brown, then remove from the heat. Drizzle this on top of fried calamari and toss to coat, then serve with a squeeze of lemon on top.