Place the prime rib roast on a rack in a roasting pan. Rub the roast with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper. If desired, you can insert garlic cloves into the roast using a paring knife.
Place the roasting pan in the oven and roast the prime rib for 15 minutes.
Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue to roast the prime rib until it reaches the desired level of doneness.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roast. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 135°F (57°C). For medium, it should be 140°F (60°C). For well-done, it should be 150°F (66°C).
Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
